Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Pinch sugar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (5-ounce) package prewashed baby spinach
  • 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, fried crisp
  • 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

Method

  • Pecans: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Stir in all the spices and the pecans.
  • Stir and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer them to a plate to cool.
  • Salad: Whisk together the Dijon mustard, shallots, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
  • Drizzle in the olive oil in a continuous stream, whisking to emulsify.
  • Season with a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add the spinach to a large serving bowl.
  • Toss the greens with the prepared dressing, the bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and spiced pecans.