Spinach Salad With Cashew Dressing
A vibrant spinach salad topped with crunchy cashew dressing, featuring tofu and fresh green onions for a wholesome, dairy-free, and protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach and drain water.
- Wash cashews.
- In a salad bowl, put spinach, chopped green onion, and tofu cubes.
- Prepare cashew dressing by blending cashews, water, garlic powder, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier cashew dressing, soak the cashews in water for a few hours before blending. You can substitute the tofu with chickpeas for added protein or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. This spinach salad pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Rosemary Potatoes And Onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spinach salad as a light lunch or dinner option. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or whole grain bread for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, top it with roasted chickpeas or serve alongside a bowl of Easy Veggie Sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate, so give it a good shake or stir before serving again. To maintain the freshness of the spinach, consider storing the salad components separately and tossing them together just before eating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Cashew Dressing contains roughly 458 calories, with 16g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% 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 cashew dressing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a good stir, as it may thicken when chilled.
What can I substitute for tofu?
If you're not a fan of tofu, you can replace it with grilled chicken, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. Each alternative will give a different flavor profile while still complementing the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prep the salad ingredients and the dressing separately to keep everything fresh. Store the spinach, green onions, and tofu in one container and the dressing in another. Combine them when ready to eat for the best taste.
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).