Looking for a vibrant and delicious salad that will elevate your meal to new heights? Dive into the delightful world of our Spinach Fennel and Portobello Salad! This Italian-inspired dish bursts with fresh flavors and textures, making it the perfect accompaniment to any dinner or a light lunch on its own. With just 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up a salad that not only looks stunning but also tantalizes your taste buds. Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious? Read on for the full recipe and tips to make this salad a standout on your table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup fennel, thinly sliced
- 2 large portobello mushrooms, grilled and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the portobello mushrooms by cleaning them thoroughly with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems and gently brush with olive oil.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the portobello mushrooms for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop nice grill marks and become tender.
- Once grilled, let the mushrooms cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice them into thin, even strips.
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Thinly slice the fennel bulb using a sharp knife, ensuring uniform, delicate pieces that will blend well with the spinach.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced fennel, and grilled portobello mushroom strips.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the fresh ingredients.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and fennel. Look for vibrant green spinach leaves and a firm, aromatic fennel bulb.
- Grill with Care: When grilling the portobello mushrooms, ensure your grill is adequately preheated. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and enhance the smoky flavor.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of garlic for an extra kick.
- Chill Before Serving: If you have time, let the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Crunch: For an added layer of texture, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, like pine nuts or sunflower seeds, just before serving.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the ingredients to shine without being overpowered by cold temperatures.
- Pair with Protein: For a heartier meal, serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 148kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
