Baked Spinach Salad
A warm, savory baked spinach dish with mushrooms, dried onions, Parmesan, and flavored bread crumbs, perfect as a side or light main for spinach lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a casserole dish, mix all ingredients in the order given, including bread crumbs and oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve immediately, noting that the spinach bakes in its own juice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or a dash of nutmeg to the spinach mixture. For a twist, substitute the mushrooms with cooked, diced bell peppers or zucchini. If you don't have flavored bread crumbs, regular ones mixed with Italian seasoning will work well. For a creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked spinach salad as a warm side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with the Peanut Butter Raisin Bars for dessert. For a light lunch, top it with poached eggs or serve it on a bed of mixed greens for added crunch and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked spinach salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain its texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the spinach soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spinach Salad contains roughly 537 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just make sure to sauté it briefly to reduce its moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the salad from becoming too watery during baking.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy taste without dairy.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap. Bake it right before serving for a fresh, hot dish. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
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).