Spinach Salad
This is a delicious quick & easy and refreshing spinach and tomato salad. Adding walnuts and ginger dressing provides a creamy and tangy flavor.
- About 4 cup chopped spinach
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 apple
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger juice
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- About 2 tbsp water adjust as needed
Wash the spinach and pat dry and chop them coarsely. Keep aside.
Cut the tomatoes in halves and remove the seeds, cut them in about half inch pieces.
Next peel and cut the apples in small pieces.
In a salad bowl toss the spinach, tomatoes and apples together. Keep aside.
Dressing:
- Shred about 1 inch piece of ginger on fine side of shredder. Squeeze the shredded ginger between your fingers to make ginger juice.
- Next blend all the dressing ingredients together. Add the water as needed otherwise dressing will be too thick.
- Pour the dressing over salad, and sprinkle with feta cheese. Enjoy!
Suggested Variations:
- Tomatoes can be replaced with strawberries.
- Walnuts can be replaced with roasted peanuts
How to Make Spinach Salad
Spinach Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that brings together fresh spinach leaves, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. This spinach salad recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a light, healthy meal that's packed with vitamins and minerals. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds.
The Essence of Spinach Salad
The essence of a spinach salad lies in its fresh ingredients and the balance of flavors. The tender spinach leaves provide a mild, slightly sweet base, while the assortment of vegetables adds crunch and color. A tangy dressing ties everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. This salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a staple in Indian Cuisine and Vegetarian diets.
Origin and Popularity
Spinach salad has become a popular choice in many cuisines around the world due to its health benefits and versatility. Spinach, known for its high nutritional value, pairs well with a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses, making it a favorite among salad enthusiasts. This fresh spinach salad recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a delightful dish, often featured in Quick & Easy meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh spinach and vegetables.
- Easy to Make: Quick and simple steps make this recipe perfect for any skill level.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite add-ins and dressings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy dinner, fitting well into Family-Friendly and Kid-Friendly categories.
Variations of Salads
Exploring Manjula's Kitchen reveals a treasure trove of other delicious salad recipes that you might enjoy. Here are some related salads that you might find interesting:
- Spicy Corn: Spicy Corn is a very enjoyable snack and not only that, but this is a quick and easy recipe to make. Make it as spicy or as mild as your heart desires. Best of all, you can also serve this as a side dish. Enjoy the spicy corn for a beautiful picnic or outdoor get together.
- Spring Quinoa Fruit Salad: Spring Quinoa Fruit Salad Salad just perfect for the start of Spring! This is a vibrant, fresh fruit salad with quinoa and homemade ginger and lemon dressing. It is the perfect go-to recipe if you are looking for something simple, light and refreshing in this warmer weather.
- Quinoa Salad: Quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious salad. This bright and colorful salad is also a great summertime recipe. For this particular salad, I made my own homemade dressing with ginger. Ginger gives a refreshing kick to the salad. Quinoa is naturally gluten free and also high in protein.
- Mango Salsa: This simple and colorful mango salsa is super easy to make! It’s sweet, spicy and absolutely delicious. Serve this fresh mango salsa with chips or with a plate of tacos. You can even serve this as a fresh salad which will compliment a variety of meals be it lunch, breakfast or dinner
Serving Suggestions
Spinach salad can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside a main course of your choice.
- As a Main Course: Add protein such as tofu, chickpeas, or paneer to make it a complete meal.
- With Bread: Pair it with crusty bread or breadsticks for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- For a Potluck: Bring it to a potluck or picnic for a healthy and colorful dish that everyone will love.
Tips and Tricks
To perfect your spinach salad recipe, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Dry Spinach Thoroughly: Ensure the spinach leaves are completely dry to prevent a soggy salad.
- Toss Just Before Serving: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
- Customize the Dressing: Feel free to customize the dressing with herbs and spices that you prefer.
FAQs
Can I Use Baby Spinach?
Yes, baby spinach is tender and perfect for salads, requiring no chopping.
How Long Does Spinach Salad Last?
Spinach salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent wilting.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Vegans?
To make this recipe vegan use agave syrup or maple syrup as a sweetener alternative.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or your favorite vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
Comments
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Rashmi
July 23, 2011 at 2:55 amHi Manjula Ji,
I checked the site Bed, bath and beyond, however, could not find those cutting sheets that you use. What you call them exactly. Pls reply, so that I can buy from there.
Thanks and regards,
Rashmi
Rashmi
July 20, 2011 at 10:55 amHi Manjula Ji,
From where do you buy the cutting sheets. Its a good replacement for cutting board. I would love to use these sheets instead. Please let me know, where from I can get them?
Regds,
Rashmi
Manjula Jain
July 20, 2011 at 2:38 pmRashmi,
I buy those from Bed, Bath and Beyond
Priyanka
July 18, 2011 at 4:34 pmHello Manjula,
Thanks for all of these lovely recipes. I have been following your website for 2 years now. I request you to publish some quick and small recipes that I have craving for these days as I am expecting a baby. Please help me out 🙂
Life Experience Degree
December 22, 2010 at 11:40 pmI am sure you have spent a lot of time to provide this hight quality article to us. I do not know how to thank you.:)
Automated Bookmarking
December 17, 2010 at 2:58 pmIts a pity you dont have a donate button, i would donate some =):)
Lana
October 6, 2010 at 5:17 amSpinach and apples!! it’s great. Thanks.
Cross Cutting Shredder
September 30, 2010 at 9:14 amReading this i finally took a break from my work. I run a hardware store, and i get kinda stress throughout the day =) your post just gave me a few minutes of relax =] I managed to find a rss feed on your site, so that i could subscribe for some more. Ill be sure to come here more often from now on =)
shefali
May 16, 2010 at 7:31 ami tried this …it’s very tasty. I don’t use store bought dressing being onion and garlic. Can you post some more salad and soup recipe with homemade dressing and without onion garlic too.
shivangi
May 2, 2010 at 10:22 amhi Aunty,
Iam allergic to walnuts. What else can i subtitute instead of walnuts.
Thanks,
Manjula Jain
May 2, 2010 at 9:07 pmShivangi,
use almonds.
Olga
April 14, 2010 at 12:32 pmThis is one of my favourites! I’d never thought I would like something which contains both spinach and apples… and actually I loved it and I prepare it often. The walnut dressing is exquisite. Thanks a lot!
Damion Ficken
March 11, 2010 at 9:13 amLove your writing style Keep em coming I look forward to more!
Desi Girl
March 3, 2010 at 4:35 pmAunty !!
I loved the recipe and i am definitely gonna try this. Can i substitute Balsamic Vinegar with anything else?
Thanks
Lisa
December 7, 2009 at 7:19 pmThis was an absolutely delicious salad! I wasn’t too sure how the apple would blend with the salad, but it provided the right amount of sweetness and offset the tanginess of the dressing so nicely. Will definitely be making this again!
Dorothy
December 3, 2009 at 1:43 amI am going to have so much fun trying your recipes. I found your website awhile back, but am just now getting to use it again. I really love Panak Paneer (sp?). Is that the same thing as spinach dal?
Angel
June 10, 2010 at 8:05 amI am sure you figured out by now…but I just came across your question. Spinach daal is not the same as Palak paneer (creamed spinach dish with Indian cheese cubes). Enjoy!
clueless
December 1, 2009 at 1:27 pmHi Aunty, I made this salad and it was an instant hit. My husband doesn’t like lettuce, so I do not make salads that require lettuce, but this spinach salad, he relished. Thank you so much for taking so much effort and sharing your recipes with us. You look cool with the new hair-cut and glasses.
nina
November 22, 2009 at 4:08 pmhello aunty i really enjoy seeing your recipes they are very easy to understand i enjoy learning new dishes the espinach salad is very nice and different thanks for showing your nice recipes
arpita
November 30, 2009 at 9:47 amcooking has never been more interesting and easy ……..thanks to u aunty
my husband discovered this wonderful platform (website) and now im addicted…
once again really ur way of instruction and recipes are v easy to follow and the ingredients are seldom not available at home
infact making nutricious food in record time is now made possible
Smita
November 18, 2009 at 9:05 amManjulaji,
Wow such a healthy salad….thank you so much for sharing this.
Can you please tell me which grinder/Blender you are using as the one i have is really big and i need the smaller one and i like the one you are using.
Manjula Jain
November 18, 2009 at 10:43 amHello Smita,
I use Magic Bullet this is small and very handy.
Vidya
November 13, 2009 at 12:53 pmOMG!!! You look awesome! so whats going on? I have been watching… first came the glasses, then the new website look, then new hair do & now spinach salad…. I am impressed!!! hmmmmm….Are you expecting?
Prerna
November 12, 2009 at 9:33 pmHi Aunty, I’m very regular at your website and love all your recipes. My husband loves everything I make out of your website. I was going to make spinach dal and ended up making the spinach salad instead which was so amazing :). Also, loved your new look 🙂
Thank you for sharing!
Meena
November 12, 2009 at 11:59 amWow Aunty, you are looking so modern and younger with your haircut and kurti! Thank you for another great recipe.
Meena 🙂