Olive Royale Salad
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring fresh spinach, olives, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, tossed with a flavorful dressing and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, perfect for light lunches or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and washed fresh spinach in a large bowl.
- Mix French dressing with curry powder to create the dressing mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- May prepare ahead of time but do not add dressing until just before serving.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Kalamata olives in place of black olives. If you're looking for a vegan twist, substitute the French dressing with a homemade vinaigrette or Our Favorite Vinaigrette. To enhance the dish, add some crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocados for creaminess. Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great standalone dish but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. For a Mediterranean-inspired feast, serve it alongside Braised Green Beans or a Cucumber Side Salad. It's also perfect for picnics or potlucks, as it can be prepared in advance and is easy to transport.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Olive Royale Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It's best to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the greens. If the salad becomes soggy, add a handful of fresh spinach before serving to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Royale Salad contains roughly 789 calories, with 28g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (306% of the Daily Value), iron (186% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to ensure the spinach stays fresh and crisp. You can store the assembled salad in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before adding the dressing.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to get creative! You could add bell peppers, cucumber, or even roasted zucchini for added texture and flavor. Consider incorporating more seasonal vegetables to keep it vibrant and interesting, aligning with Mediterranean recipes.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based dressing in place of the French dressing. Additionally, you can omit any non-vegan toppings like cheese, making it a refreshing and healthy choice for those following vegan recipes.
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).