Artichoke Spinach Salad
A vibrant, flavorful salad combining fresh spinach, cabbage, artichoke hearts, ham, and Provolone, all coated in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz fresh spinach, washed and torn into bite size pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage ⓘ
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 4 oz cooked ham, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 4 oz Provolone cheese, cut into thin strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, dill weed, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, red cabbage, artichoke hearts, ham, and Provolone cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt instead of olive oil for creaminess. If you're short on time, pre-packaged salad greens can substitute for fresh spinach. You can also swap Provolone cheese with mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile. Adding nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds can enhance the texture and nutrition of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a vibrant main dish or a delightful side for grilled meats, especially pairs beautifully with Pork Kabobs. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. For an elevated touch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or serve with a glass of chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch, so it's best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. If reheating the ham, do so gently in the microwave to prevent it from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Artichoke Spinach Salad contains roughly 476 calories, with 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the dressing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using, as the ingredients may separate. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste of your salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately and add it to the salad just before eating to keep the greens fresh. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Feel free to incorporate other colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. This versatility makes it a great option for adapting to your personal preferences or seasonal produce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).