Spinach Salad With Walnuts
A vibrant spinach salad featuring crunchy toasted walnuts, crisp water chestnuts, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a savory garlic-soy vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, it offers a refreshing blend of textures and flavors that appeals to health-conscious and flavor-seeking eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove and discard woody stems of spinach. Wash spinach well. Spin to dry or dry with towels.
- Tear spinach into pieces and place in a salad bowl. Add drained water chestnuts.
- Remove and discard root and wilted ends of green onions, chop, and sprinkle on salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, vegetable oil, and freshly ground pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Fresh spinach is best, but you can use baby spinach for a milder taste. For extra crunch, consider adding sliced radishes or cucumber. This salad pairs beautifully with Easy Pickled Cucumber Rounds for a refreshing side.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach salad is a perfect light lunch or side dish for dinner. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Steak And Ale Sauteed Mushrooms. Garnish with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added richness. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up any remaining dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the spinach from wilting, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. If the salad becomes soggy, consider refreshing it by adding a handful of fresh spinach and mixing in a bit more dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Walnuts contains roughly 134 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1804mg per serving (78% 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 components ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, chop the green onions, and toast the walnuts. However, it's best to wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly as none of the ingredients contain animal products. The dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, and vegetable oil is suitable for a vegan diet, making it a great choice for those following vegan recipes.
What can I add for more protein?
To add more protein to this salad, consider including chickpeas or grilled tofu. Both options will enhance the nutritional profile while keeping the dish light and healthy. You can also serve the salad as a side to a protein-rich main dish for a balanced meal.
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).