Spinach Salad Recipe: A Simple, Delicious, and Healthy Meal
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meal option? Look no further than this delicious spinach salad recipe! This recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect lunch or light dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it to your liking!
Ingredients for a Refreshing Spinach Salad
This recipe serves 2-3 people, but it’s easily scalable for larger groups.
- 6 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried. Using fresh spinach is key for the best texture and flavor.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Feta adds a delightful salty and tangy element. You can substitute with goat cheese or another cheese of your choice.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved. These provide a burst of sweetness and color.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced. Adds a bit of bite and sharpness.
- ½ cup candied pecans (or any nuts you prefer). These offer a wonderful crunchy texture and complement the spinach beautifully. You can make your own candied pecans or buy pre-made ones.
- Optional additions: Consider adding other ingredients such as cucumber, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.
The Perfect Vinaigrette for Your Spinach Salad
The dressing is just as important as the ingredients! This simple vinaigrette perfectly complements the spinach and other components.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Your Spinach Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. If making candied pecans, prepare them ahead of time.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and candied pecans.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overdress, as you want the spinach to remain crisp.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious and healthy spinach salad!
Tips for the Best Spinach Salad
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your salad will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overdress: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Add more dressing as needed.
- Add protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to create your own unique spinach salad combinations.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time later. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
This simple spinach salad recipe is a perfect example of a healthy and delicious meal that's quick and easy to make. Enjoy! And don't forget to share your creations and variations with us! #spinachsalad #healthyeating #saladrecipe #easyrecipe #recipe
