Delicious Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe

Spinach salad with balsamic dressing is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of leafy greens with the richness of a tangy dressing. This healthy and delicious recipe is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a nutritious meal option, this salad is a fantastic choice. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and the zesty balsamic dressing creates an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 200mg

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 5 minutes
• Resting Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Course: Salad
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed:

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (washed and dried)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (toasted)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 avocado (sliced, optional)
• 1/2 cup cucumber (sliced, optional)

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
   • Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly and place it in a large salad bowl.
   • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Toast the walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
   • If using, slice the avocado and cucumber.
   • Add all these ingredients to the salad bowl along with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries.
2. Make the Balsamic Dressing:
   • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
   • Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving.
   • Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve it straight from the bowl.
   • Enjoy immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or starter!

Tips & Variations:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap out the nuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Vegan Option: Replace feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely.
• Fruit Addition: Add sliced apples or pears for extra sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing and mix just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

This Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is a perfect combination of fresh, crunchy, and creamy textures with a delightful balance of flavors. It’s an easy, nutritious, and delicious dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Enjoy making and sharing this healthy salad with your family and friends!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.