SPINACH BERRY SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Spinach Berry Salad with Candied Walnuts image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Creole or grainy mustard
2 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup cherry jam
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 ounces baby spinach
1 pint blackberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup Candied Walnuts, recipe follows
1 small chunk Parmesan or pecorino
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups walnut halves
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

For the dressing: Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, honey, jam, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil in a slow stream and continue whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
For the salad: Toss together the spinach, blackberries, onions and Candied Walnuts in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss. Using a vegetable peeler, shave some cheese over the top.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the walnuts and stir to coat. Raise the heat to medium, add the sugar and cook until the sugar is dissolved and caramelized, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then transfer the mixture to the baking sheet. Spread the nuts in a single layer. Let the walnuts cool until hardened, about 15 minutes.