Spanish Salad With Apple-Onion Vinaigrette
A vibrant Spanish-inspired spinach salad featuring a crisp apple-onion vinaigrette, ideal for light meals or gatherings, blending sweet, tangy, and savory flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove stems from spinach, wash leaves thoroughly, and pat dry. Set aside.
- Combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, grated purple onion, dry mustard, and salt in a bowl, stirring with a wire whisk.
- Gradually add vegetable oil, whisking rapidly until thoroughly blended.
- Stir in finely chopped unpeeled red apple.
- Stack several spinach leaves together and roll tightly.
- Slice the rolled leaves at 1/4 inch intervals to form ribbons.
- Repeat with remaining leaves.
- Arrange sliced spinach on individual plates.
- Drizzle with the apple-onion vinaigrette dressing.
- Garnish, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the vinaigrette, try adding a splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity. If you don't have purple onion, red onion works well as a substitute. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also enhance the flavor profile. Ensure the spinach is dry before dressing to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch. It also complements heartier dishes, making it a great side for a holiday feast or a summer picnic. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a bowl of Ceylon Spiced Tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To prevent the spinach from wilting, keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve. If reheating, avoid heating the salad; instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Salad With Apple-Onion Vinaigrette contains roughly 210 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1868mg per serving (81% 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 other types of greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with arugula, mixed greens, or kale. Each will provide a different texture and flavor. If using kale, consider massaging the leaves with a little olive oil to soften them before preparing the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply ensure that all ingredients, especially the mustard, do not contain any animal products. The vinaigrette is already vegan-friendly, and the salad itself, with its fresh ingredients, naturally fits within vegan recipes.
What can I add to the salad for more protein?
To add protein to this salad, consider including chickpeas, quinoa, or grilled tofu. These options not only enhance the nutritional value but also complement the flavors of the apple-onion vinaigrette beautifully.
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).