Spinach Salad(Makes 4 Servings)
A vibrant spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, red onions, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or as a fresh side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean spinach, dry, and tear into pieces.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half; add with red onion slices to the spinach.
- In a small jar, shake together wine vinegar, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and salt until salt is dissolved.
- Add oil; shake to combine and pour over the salad.
- Sprinkle with chopped, roasted peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spinach and arugula, or substitute maple syrup for soy sauce for a different taste profile. You can also add some feta cheese or avocado for creaminess. If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also enhance the salad's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This spinach salad makes an excellent starter or side dish, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes like Arabic Meat Pies or Roasted Vegetable Salad. It also works well as a light lunch when topped with quinoa or chickpeas for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, simply drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 389 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2020mg per serving (88% 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 ingredients ahead, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness. You can store the chopped vegetables and peanuts in the fridge for a day, but keep them separate from the dressing.
What can I substitute for peanuts?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes. You can also add crunchy chickpeas for extra protein and texture. If you have allergies, consider omitting the nuts entirely and adding extra vegetables instead.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this spinach salad is vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the soy sauce used is gluten-free if needed. You can also enhance the salad with additional vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for a more filling 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).