Spinach salad is a dish rich in nutrients which provides a feeling of satiety, without containing many calories. Just perfect if you follow a diet or just want to eat something light.
Salads with greens are a basic side dish in my house. I use to supply my fridge with various salads, and always have a bag of fresh baby spinach in my shopping list. Spinach has a neutral taste and pairs well with any main dishes. It could be easily enjoyed on its own if you crave a healthy and light meal. My children adore it too, and this is another reason why I love using spinach in many of my recipes.
There is nothing special or difficult about making a spinach salad. Spinach salad is really very simple to prepare, interesting, and very tasty. You don’t have to boil or cook anything in advance, and even if you don’t have cranberries you can easily replace them with some raisins. Actually, this salad can be improvised with whatever you have on hand.
I assure you that Spinach salad is a must-try recipe, perfect to enjoy on warm sunny days.
Is raw spinach healthy?
Fresh spinach has become total comfort food for me, that is why I decided to share this recipe with you. Everyone knows how to make a salad, but with the idea of eating fresh spinach not all of us are used. We are accustomed that Spinach, most of the time, is used in the classic spinach dishes like soups, pies, casseroles. However, raw spinach preserves a lot of healthy nutrients and is much healthier to eat, especially in salads.
I think we have a lot to lose if we don’t eat it fresh. Basically, fresh spinach can be used in almost all salads and can be paired with lots of vegetables. Now spinach salad becomes one of the all-time favorite salad that I make again and again especially at this time of the year.
Is spinach better raw or cooked?
Spinach is definitely one of the veggies that must be included in a daily diet. It is rich in vitamins, as A, C, K, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, riboflavin, manganese. Eating this leafy green veggie may benefit eye health, and is a great product for people on diabetes.
According to Vegetarian Times, cooked spinach increases the level of vitamins E and A, fiber, protein, zinc, calcium, thiamin, and iron – as well, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Eating fresh and good quality spinach is beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and skin due to its nutrients and vitamins. I adore raw spinach in salads and try to may it a habit always eating green leaves next to the main course.
How to make Spinach Salad?
No matter what day or season of the year it is, this ultimate healthy spinach salad is always welcomed on my table. This is the kind of recipe you make once and never have to look at it again after that.
It is nutritious revamp detox-friendly salad that I never discriminate as I simply adore it served to grilled meat or fish. I simply adore Greek salad, Tabbouleh salad, or Arugula salad but sometimes the simplest is the best to serve. And, this is that time of the year I enjoy eating fresh spinach with parmesan and nuts.
Firstly, rinse and dry 4-5 oz of baby spinach (if needed). Then transfer it to a large salad bowl. Use a salad spin dryer for drying greens. Spin dryer always helps me to obtain a quicker result rather than draining the leaves with a kitchen towel or on the colander. This process maintains the leaves’ shape without being destroyed as when you are drying them with a kitchen towel.
Sprinkle the top with pecan nuts, almonds flakes, seed mix, and cranberry. I have used about 1 cup of this mix. Season with salt and black pepper if desired. Drizzle the salad with toasted sesame oil and give it a good toss.
Top the spinach salad with ⅓ cup of shaved parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately!
Tips:
- Feel free to substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or other greens you have in the fridge.
- For more roast and crunchy taste toss nuts. However, use any mixes of nuts and seeds you prefer.
- Pecorino cheese, crumbled goat cheese, or feta would make a lovely replacement for the parmesan cheese.
- If you crave more protein add some grilled chicken breast, smoked salmon, or grilled shrimps.
- In addition, Spinach salad is a keto-friendly side dish that pairs well with your main course. Add some avocado and/or crunchy bacon and enjoy it on its own.
Grab your fork and dive in!
Fresh and Easy Spinach Salad
Equipment
- salad bowl
Ingredients
- 5 oz spinach
- 1/4 cup pecan nuts
- 1/4 cup seeds mix
- 1/4 cup almond flakes
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Rinse and spin dry 4-5 oz of baby spinach. Then transfer it to a large salad bowl.
- Sprinkle the top with pecan nuts, almonds flakes, seed mix, and cranberry. I have used about 1 cup of this mix. Season with salt and black pepper if desired. Drizzle the salad with toasted sesame oil and give it a good toss.
- Top the spinach salad with ⅓ cup of shaved parmesan cheese.
- Grab your fork and dive in!