Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your dining experience with this mouthwatering Spinach Salad with Tangy Red Wine Vinaigrette! Imagine a perfect harmony of crisp spinach leaves, crunchy toasted walnuts, creamy feta cheese, and a vinaigrette so delicious it will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just a salad - it's a culinary adventure that takes just 10 minutes to prepare and will instantly elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the walnuts. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they become fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Gently pat dry using paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes, ensuring the slices are uniform and delicate.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, add the prepared spinach leaves, creating a fresh green base.
- Scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the spinach leaves.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts evenly across the salad for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad, distributing it evenly.
- Just before serving, drizzle the tangy red wine vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors of the salad.
Tips
- Toasting Walnuts: Watch them carefully! The line between perfectly toasted and burnt is thin. Remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant and golden.
- Spinach Preparation: Always wash spinach thoroughly and dry completely to prevent a soggy salad. A salad spinner is your best friend for this task.
- Vinaigrette Secret: Whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously to create a smooth emulsion that coats the salad ingredients evenly.
- Serving Tip: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the spinach and prevent wilting.
- Customization: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side salad into a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
