Hot Spinach Salad With Almonds
A warm spinach salad featuring toasted almonds, sweet raisins, and a tangy red-wine vinaigrette, perfect for a quick, healthy appetizer or light main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden, about 10 minutes.
- Let the almonds cool, then remove stems from the spinach and wash the leaves.
- In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, raisins, and toasted almonds.
- Bring red-wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add olive oil and heat.
- Pour the warm dressing over the spinach mixture, toss well, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for acidity. If you don’t have golden almonds, regular sliced almonds will work. For a vegan version, replace the olive oil with avocado oil. Feel free to swap spinach with other greens like arugula or kale, and add some crumbled feta for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This hot spinach salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve alongside crusty bread or a side of Rutabaga Salad for a delightful contrast in textures. For a lighter option, enjoy it as a standalone dish topped with additional nuts or seeds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may wilt, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. If reheating, gently warm the salad in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the spinach.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Spinach Salad With Almonds contains roughly 158 calories, with 0g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% 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 prepare this salad in advance?
While you can prepare the components ahead of time, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the spinach. Toast the almonds and prepare the dressing in advance, but combine everything right before enjoying.
What can I substitute for almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both options will add a nice crunch without overpowering the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can meal prep the individual ingredients. Store the spinach, toasted almonds, and dressing separately to maintain freshness and texture. Combine them when you're ready to eat.
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).