Spinach-Sunflower Salad
A refreshing spinach salad with sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy oil-vinegar dressing, perfect for light lunches or side dishes for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the frozen spinach over low heat or in the oven until thawed.
- Drain the spinach thoroughly.
- Mix the chopped onion, raisins, oil-vinegar dressing, brown sugar, and ground nutmeg in a bowl.
- Toss the drained spinach with the dressing mixture.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with sunflower seeds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen. If you want a bit of crunch, add some chopped celery or grated carrots. You can substitute the sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for variety. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to your preference. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try adding a dash of lemon juice or using Wine Cellar'S House Mustard Dressing instead of the oil-vinegar dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa for a complete meal or as part of a light lunch spread. It also pairs well with crusty bread. For a fun twist, try serving it with a dollop of Canned Grape Jelly Made From Frozen Concentrate Juice on the side for a sweet complement.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day. For best texture, avoid freezing the salad as the spinach may become mushy upon thawing. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Sunflower Salad contains roughly 498 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. Just wash and chop the leaves, and you can skip the thawing step. However, you may want to slightly sauté the fresh spinach to wilt it down for better incorporation with the other ingredients.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, ensure that your oil-vinegar dressing is dairy-free. Most store-bought dressings meet this requirement, or you can easily make your own with olive oil and vinegar. All other ingredients listed are already vegan-friendly.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content of this salad, consider adding cooked chickpeas or diced tofu. Both options will complement the flavors well and make the salad more filling. You could also sprinkle some feta cheese if you're not strictly vegan, which adds a nice salty flavor.
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).