Introduction
Elevate your meal with a delightful spinach salad that brings together a symphony of flavors and textures. This simple recipe from Delish features fresh spinach, crisp apples, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. It’s the perfect dish for a light lunch or a vibrant side at dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the dressing:
– 1 garlic clove or ½ shallot, minced
– ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– Kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
For the salad:
– 5 ounces fresh spinach
– 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
– ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
– ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
– ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy this spinach salad as a refreshing addition to your meals, showcasing vibrant ingredients that not only taste great but also nourish your body.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic (or shallot), olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Make Ahead Tip
The dressing can be prepared up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced apple, red onion, crumbled feta, and toasted sliced almonds.
Dress the salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve immediately
Once dressed, serve the salad promptly to enjoy its fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
Flavor profile
This salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, combining the crispness of apples and almonds with the creaminess of feta and the freshness of spinach.
Meal suggestions
It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
Cook techniques
Whisking for Emulsification
In order to achieve a smooth dressing, whisking together the ingredients thoroughly is essential. This technique helps to emulsify the oil with the vinegar and mustard, ensuring a well-blended dressing.
Toasting Nuts
Toasting sliced almonds enhances their flavor and adds a crunch to the salad. This can be done in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
Layering Ingredients
When assembling the salad, layering the ingredients thoughtfully creates a visually appealing dish. Start with the spinach, then add the apples, onions, feta, and nuts for a beautiful presentation.
Tossing Salad
Gently tossing the salad allows for an even distribution of the dressing and ingredients. Use a light hand to prevent bruising the spinach and to keep the textures intact.
Serving Fresh
For the best experience, serve the salad immediately after dressing. This preserves the freshness and crispness of the ingredients, allowing for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What type of apples work best for this salad?
Honeycrisp apples are a great choice due to their sweetness and crisp texture, but any firm, sweet apple will work well.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like goat cheese or Parmesan as substitutes, depending on your personal preference.
How do I store leftover salad?
It’s best to store leftover salad separately from the dressing to keep the greens from wilting. Store the salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more substantial, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for added protein.
Conclusion
This spinach salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that seamlessly combines the crispness of apples and almonds with the creaminess of feta cheese and the freshness of spinach. Its balanced flavors make it an excellent choice for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish for dinner. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying salad to elevate your meals.
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