Roger Staubach'S Spinach Salad
A tangy spinach salad with crunchy fried onion topping and bold blue cheese, perfect for casual gatherings or as a flavorful side dish for entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach and remove stems.
- Tear spinach into bite-size pieces.
- In a tall bottle, mix dry ingredients first: sugar, salt, dry mustard, paprika.
- Add liquid ingredients: oil, vinegar, tomato soup, and mix well.
- Add the can of French fried onion rings for flavor, but remove at serving.
- Toss the prepared dressing with the spinach and crumbled blue cheese.
- Serve immediately, removing onion rings before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider blending in some Greek yogurt or sour cream with the tomato soup. If you're out of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can make excellent substitutes. To enhance flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Be sure to taste the dressing before tossing it with the spinach; adjust seasoning as needed. This salad pairs beautifully with Microwave English Muffin Pizza for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spinach salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a light main course. For a more filling meal, consider adding roasted chickpeas or quinoa. This dish also complements well with other vegetarian recipes, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. If you have excess dressing, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. When ready to serve, toss the spinach with the dressing and add fresh onion rings for crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roger Staubach'S Spinach Salad contains roughly 554 calories, with 10g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg 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 the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. However, for the best flavor and freshness, mix it with the spinach and blue cheese just before serving. This helps maintain the crisp texture of the spinach.
What can I substitute for the sugar in the dressing?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup. You can also try maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the overall sweetness slightly, so adjust to taste.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
Absolutely! To make this salad more substantial, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas or quinoa would be excellent additions. These ingredients will enhance the salad's nutritional profile and make it a satisfying main dish.
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).