Spinach Salad with Maple Pecans, Apple and Blue Cheese | American Pecan Promotion Board

Ingredients

• ~Maple Pecans:
• 1/2 cup raw pecan halves (plus 3 tablespoons for dressing, optional)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• ~For the dressing:
• 3 tablespoons pecan oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ~For assembly:
• 1/2 sweet red apple, such as Fuji or gala
• 5 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves
• 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled