By Diana Rattray, About.com

Fresh figs and blue cheese are among the ingredients in this elegant spinach salad with warm bacon dressing. This is a great salad for a dinner party or special occasion meal.

INGREDIENTS:

·         3 to 4 cups washed baby spinach leaves
·         12 to 18 fresh figs, washed
·         1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (or substitute caramelized shallots)
·         crumbled blue cheese, about 3 to 4 tablespoons
·         pecans, halves or coarsely chopped, about 2 tablespoons
·         Dressing
·         3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
·         1/3 cup granulated sugar
·         1/3 cup red wine vinegar or red wine vinegar with pomegranate
·         1 tablespoon water
·         2 teaspoons cornstarch
·         dash salt
               
PROCEDURE: 

Arrange the spinach leaves on four salad plates. Slice figs in half and arrange on the spinach. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion over the spinach, then sprinkle with the cheese and pecans. Combine dressing ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Spoon some of the warm dressing over the salads, making sure each salad gets some of the bacon pieces.