Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your perception of salads forever! This isn't just another boring green dish – it's a colorful explosion of nutrition, texture, and mouthwatering goodness that will make you fall in love with healthy eating. With its stunning ruby-red beets, crisp carrots, and tender spinach leaves, this salad is like a work of art on your plate that promises to deliver both incredible flavor and maximum nutritional punch.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked beets, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Next, shred the carrots if they are not pre-shredded. You can use a box grater or a food processor for this step. Aim for fine shreds to ensure a pleasant texture in the salad.
- If your cooked beets are not already diced, take the cooked beets and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Be cautious as beets can stain surfaces and hands; consider wearing gloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, shredded carrots, and diced beets. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amounts according to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor. Give the salad one last gentle toss to incorporate the walnuts.
- Serve the Carrot Beet Spinach Salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your fresh and nutritious salad!
Tips
- For the freshest taste, use organic vegetables and ensure they are thoroughly washed.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked or vacuum-packed beets instead of cooking them yourself.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of honey to your vinaigrette.
- For best presentation, use a white or light-colored plate to make the vibrant colors of the salad really pop.
- This salad is best served immediately after preparation to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like crumbled feta cheese or sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg