Mary'S Spinach Salad

Prep: 10 min

A tangy and sweet spinach salad dressing with a balanced blend of onion, vinegar, and sugar, perfect for complementing fresh greens and light meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 1 1/3 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 2 1/2 c. lite Wesson oil
  • 1 1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. powdered mustard
  • dash of paprika

Instructions

  1. Mix minced onion, salt, sugar, apple cider vinegar, powdered mustard, and paprika in a blender or shake in a bottle.
  2. Blend or shake until well combined.
  3. Taste to ensure a sweet and sour flavor balance.
  4. Store in the refrigerator overnight for best flavor, shaking before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, consider using shallots instead of onion for a milder flavor. If you prefer a slightly thicker dressing, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. For a vegan option, ensure the Wesson oil is plant-based. This dressing is also versatile and can be used on other salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This spinach salad dressing pairs beautifully with fresh spinach, nuts, and fruits like strawberries or apples. For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside a warm Vegetable Diet Soup or grilled chicken. It also complements a variety of sides, making it a great addition to any summer picnic.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Given its fresh ingredients, always give it a good shake before serving again to recombine the elements. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mary'S Spinach Salad contains roughly 486 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

486 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 27.1g 35% DV
Carbs 52.7g 19% DV
Fiber 3.6g 13% DV
Sugar 8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1044.1mg 45% DV
Potassium 261.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4mg 4% DV
Calcium 54.2mg 4% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the dressing a day before serving enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just remember to shake it well before using, as separation may occur.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as alternatives. They will slightly change the flavor profile but still provide a tangy taste.

How can I make this dressing less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the dressing, simply decrease the amount of sugar according to your taste. Alternatively, you can add more vinegar to balance it out, which will enhance the dressing's tang.

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).

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