Apple Gorgonzola Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Submitted by Cook4_6

"My take on the apple gorgonzola salad at Buca di Beppo. I have also made the dressing using Apple Cider Vinegar in place of the Balsamic with excellent results. It is a family and friend favorite!"

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Serves: 16

ingredients

• Salad

• 16 ounces romaine lettuce (I prefer spring mix or artisan lettuces)
• 2 granny smith apples, chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
• 1⁄2 cup gorgonzola, crumbled
• 1⁄4 lb prosciutto (baked and crumbled) (optional)

• Dressing

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 1⁄3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 3⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup olive oil

directions

1. If using proscuitto, lay very thin slices on baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, watching so it doesn't burn.
2. To toast walnuts, place on baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes, watching so they don't burn.
3. Toss lettuces, apples, walnuts, cranberries, gorgonzola cheese and proscuitto.
4. To prepare dressing, combine anchovy paste, vinegar, water, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese into blender (or use an emulsion blender). Mix in blender; slowly adding 1 cup oil. Refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Combine salad and dressing, serve.

Reviews

[breezermom]

Absolutely wonderful! A great combination of sweet, salty, and savory....all on top of a bed of greens. I used a mix of romaine and baby spring greens. The dressing is wonderful, and I immediately went ahead and made more to serve on other salads. Thanks for sharing! Made for Photo Tag game.