Spinach Salad With Prosciutto Dressing
A fresh spinach salad topped with flavorful prosciutto, garlic, mushrooms, and walnuts, dressed with a tangy lemon and wine vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add prosciutto and minced garlic; sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add dry white wine, fresh lemon juice, and sugar; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine stemmed spinach, sliced mushrooms, and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with the cooled prosciutto dressing and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using aged prosciutto, which adds depth to the dressing. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a quick substitute. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. For added texture, try incorporating some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese into the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a light lunch, serve it alongside some crusty bread or with a side of Chunky Garden Gazpacho for a refreshing contrast. It can also be a delightful starter at a Mediterranean-themed dinner party.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate, so give it a good shake before using. To reheat cooked mushrooms, sauté them briefly in a pan over medium heat to restore their texture, but avoid reheating the spinach as it wilts quickly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Prosciutto Dressing contains roughly 654 calories, with 18g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 956mg per serving (42% 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, the prosciutto dressing can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, and give it a good stir to recombine the ingredients.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make excellent alternatives. They provide a nice crunch and pair well with the other ingredients in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
This salad is not vegan due to the prosciutto and the dressing. However, you can easily modify it by omitting the prosciutto and replacing the dressing with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
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).