Spinach Salad With Andouille Dressing

AmericanPorkIntermediate20 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • 6 oz ground andouille or other pork sausage
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped yellow onions
  • 1 0.5 tsp chopped garlic
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2/3 cup toasted walnut pieces
  • 2/3 cup toasted pecan pieces
  • 2/3 cup toasted hazelnut pieces
  • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning (Essence)
  • 4 oz fresh goat cheese
  • 2/3 lb fresh baby spinach, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2/3 cup julienned red onions
  • 0.5 tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a saucepan over medium heat, brown the andouille for 4 to 6 minutes. Add the onions and garlic; cook for 3 more minutes. Deglaze with the balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Whisk in the olive oil. Remove from heat and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a small food processor, grind each type of nut separately. Season each batch with Creole seasoning.

  3. 3

    Form the goat cheese into 12 small balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll 4 in the ground walnuts, 4 in the ground pecans, and 4 in the ground hazelnuts.

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach and julienned red onions. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the warm andouille dressing.

  5. 5

    Mound the salad on each plate. Arrange 3 nut-crusted goat cheese balls around each salad — one of each variety.

Tags

salad