Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Cranberry Spinach Salad with Cashews and Goat Cheese is more than just a healthy meal - it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will transform your perception of what a salad can be. With its perfect balance of crisp spinach, sweet cranberries, crunchy toasted cashews, and creamy goat cheese, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup cashews, toasted
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider 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. Spin dry or pat gently with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach as the base for your salad.
- Next, add the dried cranberries to the bowl. These will provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
- Toast the cashews if they are not already toasted. To do this, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.
- Add the toasted cashews to the salad bowl with the spinach and cranberries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad. The creaminess of the goat cheese will complement the other ingredients beautifully.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar to create a simple dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the spinach is well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately on individual plates or in the large salad bowl. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Cranberry Spinach Salad with Cashews and Goat Cheese!
Tips
- Spinach Freshness is Key: Always choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves and wash them thoroughly. Pat them completely dry to ensure your dressing clings perfectly.
- Toasting Cashews Like a Pro: Watch your cashews carefully when toasting. The line between perfectly golden and burned is thin. Use medium heat and keep them moving in the pan.
- Dressing Hack: Prepare your dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Cheese Temperature Matters: Let your goat cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes before crumbling for the best texture and flavor distribution.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken or swap ingredients to make this recipe your own unique creation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
