Walnut-Cheese Spinach Salad
A fresh and tangy spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette, topped with walnuts and feta for a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for light meals or sides.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened raspberries ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 package (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup crumbled feta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring raspberries and sugar to a boil.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Strain and discard pulp.
- In a blender, combine the raspberry juice, oil, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce; cover and process until smooth.
- In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, red onion, feta cheese, and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate any remaining dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter dressing, adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you don't have feta cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese can be good substitutes for a different flavor profile. Consider adding a touch of honey to the dressing for extra sweetness. To add more texture, include sliced apples or pears, which pair beautifully with the spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish for grilled meats. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like Scalloped Potatoes With Cheese for a heartier meal. Garnish with additional walnuts or feta for extra crunch and flavor. Consider serving alongside crusty bread or as part of a buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness and avoid wilting the spinach. To reheat any salad components, gently warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, but enjoy the salad cold for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut-Cheese Spinach Salad contains roughly 157 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen raspberries for the dressing?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking with sugar. The flavor will still be vibrant, but fresh berries usually yield a more intense flavor.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether. For the dressing, ensure that Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or replace it with soy sauce or tamari for added flavor.
What can I add to enhance the salad's nutrition?
Consider adding sliced strawberries or other berries for additional vitamins and antioxidants. Incorporating chickpeas or quinoa can boost protein content while keeping the salad vegetarian. A sprinkle of sunflower seeds can also provide extra crunch and healthy fats.
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).