Spinach Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

This refreshing spinach salad combines the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. It’s a simple yet delightful dish that can be served as a side or a light main course.

Vibrant Ingredients for a Fresh Spinach Salad

This spinach salad showcases the delightful combination of fresh ingredients.

At its base, you’ll find fresh spinach, washed and dried to ensure a crisp texture.

The addition of dried cranberries brings a touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the earthy flavor of the spinach.

For a satisfying crunch, toasted pecans adds a nutty richness that complements the other elements beautifully.

To finish, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy, tangy note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Simple Preparation Steps

Preparing this salad is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal.

Start by washing and drying the spinach thoroughly, ensuring it’s ready to absorb the dressing.

If your pecans aren’t pre-toasted, take a moment to toast them lightly for added flavor.

Next, crumble the feta cheese, which will be sprinkled on top just before serving.

Creating the Perfect Dressing

The dressing is a key component that ties the salad together.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This light vinaigrette will enhance the freshness of the spinach and the sweetness of the cranberries.

Combining the Ingredients

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to combine them.

In a large bowl, add the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.

Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.

This step is crucial for achieving a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

For a rustic presentation, serve the salad in a charming bowl on a wooden table.

Place a fork beside it, ready for enjoyment.

This salad can be enjoyed as a light main course or as a side dish, making it versatile for any occasion.

With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to impress guests or elevate a simple meal at home.

Nutritional Benefits

This spinach salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition.

Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option.

With healthy fats from the pecans and olive oil, along with protein from the feta, it offers a balanced mix of nutrients.

Enjoying this salad is a great way to incorporate more greens and wholesome ingredients into your diet.

Easy Spinach Salad Recipe

This spinach salad is topped with crumbled feta cheese and dressed with a light vinaigrette made from 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste for a perfect balance of flavors. The salad serves 4 people and is ready in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry the spinach, toast the pecans if not pre-toasted, and crumble the feta cheese.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the spinach is well coated.
5. Serve: Divide the salad into bowls or plates and serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 12g