Best Almost Homemade Spinach Salad Recipes

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PERFECT SPINACH SALAD (NO, REALLY)



Perfect Spinach Salad (No, Really) image

This classy spinach salad is a salad to impress! Smoky pecans and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette make the best counterpoint to this green.

Provided by Sonja Overhiser

Categories     Salad

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 hard boiled eggs or 1 large crisp tart apple
1/2 cup whole pecans*
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos)
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 pinches kosher salt or flaky sea salt
1 recipe Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
6 cups baby spinach leaves or chopped standard spinach
1 shallot
1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Steps:

  • Make the hard boiled eggs, if using (or make them in advance). Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Add the pecans, soy sauce, maple syrup and smoked paprika to a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. When it just starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low but still slowly bubbling. Simmer 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last minute when the liquid is mostly evaporated, stir continuously until it is totally cooked out and the nuts start clumping together. Immediately remove from the heat and transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Sprinkle with 2 pinches kosher salt and allow to cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
  • Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette.
  • Thinly slice the shallot. If using apple instead of hard boiled egg, thinly slice the apple.
  • Place the spinach on plates or in bowls. Top with hard boiled eggs or apple slices, smoky pecans, sliced shallot, and feta cheese crumbles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Sugar 11.1 g, Sodium 520 mg, Fat 26.9 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 15.3 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 8.5 g, Cholesterol 109.7 mg

ALMOST HOMEMADE SPINACH SALAD



Almost Homemade Spinach Salad image

I just got home from a funeral dinner at our church. I had to bring a salad and was very short on time. I came up with this and got so many requests for the "recipe" I just had to laugh. Its way too easy but everyone loved it and scraped a big bowl of it clean. Thank you Marzetti Brand Sweet Italian salad dressing.

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories     Other Salads

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pkg baby spinach leaves, salad ready (6-8 ounces)
8 slice lean bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 sweet onion, sliced thinly (or use red onion it is pretty)
1 c sliced mushrooms
1 c marzetti brand sweet italian salad dessing, more or less to your liking
freshly grated black pepper

Steps:

  • 1. All ingredients should be chilled before making salad. Remove any tough stems or bad leaves from spinach. Place in bowl withcrumbled bacon, chopped eggs, sliced onions, and mushrooms. Pour 1/2 cup salad dressing over all and toss to coat. Add more dressing and toss until salad is coated to your liking. Grind a little fresh black pepper over all and serve.
  • 2. VARIATION: Add sliced cooked chicken breast or canned tuna (drained) to make a main dish salad.

SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BACON DRESSING



Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing image

To make his Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing recipe from Good Eats on Food Network even better, Alton Brown tops it with sliced eggs and mushrooms.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces young spinach
2 large eggs
8 pieces thick-sliced bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 large white mushrooms, sliced
3 ounces red onion (1 small), very thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Remove the stems from the spinach and wash, drain and pat dry thoroughly. Place into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • Place the eggs into an electric kettle and cover with cold water by at least 1-inch. Turn the kettle on. Once the water comes to a boil, the kettle will turn itself off. Leave the eggs in the water for 15 minutes. Remove and peel off the shell. Slice each egg into 8 pieces and set aside.
  • While the eggs are cooking, fry the bacon and remove to a paper towel to drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
  • Transfer the fat to a small saucepan set over low heat and whisk in the red wine vinegar, sugar and Dijon mustard. Season with a small pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Add the mushrooms and the sliced onion to the spinach and toss. Add the dressing and bacon and toss to combine. Divide the spinach between 4 plates or bowls and evenly divide the egg among them. Season with pepper, as desired. Serve immediately.

THE BEST SPINACH SALAD EVER



The Best Spinach Salad Ever image

Fresh spinach with a creamy dressing that all my friends rave over. The dressing also makes a great vegetable dip.

Provided by Autumn

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup milk
¼ cup white sugar
1 (3 ounce) jar bacon bits
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
½ head cauliflower, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the slivered almonds onto a baking sheet, and toast until the nuts start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Watch the nuts carefully as they bake, because they burn quickly. Once toasted, set the nuts aside to cool to room temperature.
  • Mix together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar in a large salad bowl. Stir in the bacon bits and Parmesan cheese until the dressing is well combined and creamy.
  • Place the spinach leaves, chopped cauliflower, and toasted almonds into the salad bowl, and stir lightly to coat with dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 516.5 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 31.4 mg, Fat 43.8 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 812.3 mg, Sugar 11.8 g

THE PERFECT SUNDAY BRUNCH SPINACH SALAD



The Perfect Sunday Brunch Spinach Salad image

My coworker Lori makes this salad whenever she is in charge of Friday breakfast and we all absolutely love it...and it's so easy. Absolutely no cooking required, so it's great during the warm summer months.

Provided by Chez Christine

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 (10 ounce) bags baby spinach
2 bananas, sliced
12 fresh strawberries, sliced
1 (10 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup pine nuts
1 cup poppy seed salad dressing

Steps:

  • Place spinach in a large bowl. Arrange bananas, strawberries, mandarin oranges, cranberries, and pine nuts on top. Toss with poppy seed dressing before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.5 calories, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 10.6 mg, Fat 17.5 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 271.2 mg, Sugar 19.5 g

In this article, we will discuss the concept of almost homemade spinach salad recipes. When we say "almost homemade", it means that we can take some help from pre-packaged ingredients or dressings, but we still add in our own unique touch to make it personal and special. A spinach salad is a great option for a healthy and delicious meal, and we can easily make it with some creativity and a few handy ingredients.

Why Spinach Salad?

Spinach is a popular leafy vegetable that is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, and fiber. It is low in calories and carbs, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maintain a healthy diet. A spinach salad is a great way to incorporate this nutritious vegetable into your diet. Spinach can be combined with a variety of other ingredients to make a delicious and flavorful salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Almost Homemade Spinach Salad

For an almost homemade spinach salad, we can use some pre-packaged ingredients to make the process easier and faster. We can add our own personal touch to these ingredients to make it unique and delicious.
Spinach:
The star of the show! We can use pre-packaged baby spinach leaves, or we can buy whole bunches of spinach and wash them thoroughly before using them in our salad. For a more gourmet touch, we can mix different types of greens like arugula, kale, or romaine lettuce.
Toppings:
We can add a variety of toppings to our spinach salad, depending on our preferences. Some popular options are sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and crumbled bacon. We can also add some crunch with toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts, or some crispy croutons.
Dressing:
We can use pre-packaged dressing for convenience or make our own at home with some basic ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, and herbs. A simple vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil can add a tangy freshness to our salad, or we can try a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese for a richer flavor.

How to Make Almost Homemade Spinach Salad

Making an almost homemade spinach salad is easy and requires minimal cooking skills. We can mix and match the ingredients to our liking and make it as simple or complex as we want.
Step 1:
Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. We can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2:
Prepare the toppings by slicing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. We can also toast the nuts or croutons if desired.
Step 3:
Mix the spinach with the toppings in a large bowl. We can also add in some cooked chicken or grilled shrimp for some protein.
Step 4:
Prepare the dressing by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.

Tips for Almost Homemade Spinach Salad

Here are some tips to help us make the perfect almost homemade spinach salad:
1. Use fresh and seasonal ingredients:
Try to use fresh and seasonal ingredients as much as possible to ensure maximum flavor and nutrients.
2. Mix and match:
Don't be afraid to mix and match different ingredients to create unique flavors and textures. Experiment with different toppings and dressings until we find our favorite combination.
3. Keep it simple:
Don't overcomplicate the salad by adding too many ingredients or flavors. Sometimes, less is more.
4. Make extra dressing:
We can make extra dressing and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, we can easily make a fresh salad anytime we want.
5. Use high-quality ingredients:
To ensure maximum flavor and quality, use high-quality ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and organic vegetables.

Conclusion

Almost homemade spinach salad is an easy, healthy, and delicious meal that we can make in no time. By using pre-packaged ingredients and adding our own unique touch, we can create a salad that is personal and special. Experiment with different toppings and dressings to find our favorite combination, and enjoy a fresh and nutritious meal that will leave us feeling satisfied and energized.

A spinach salad is a popular and nutritious dish that can be served at any time of the year. However, many people believe that making a salad from scratch is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort. The good news is there is a way to make an almost homemade spinach salad easily, quickly, and with minimal effort. In this article, we will highlight valuable tips to help you create a delicious and healthy spinach salad in a short period.

1. Choose Fresh Spinach Leaves

Fresh spinach leaves are the primary ingredient in a spinach salad recipe. When choosing spinach, ensure that they are green, crisp, and fresh. Look for spinach leaves that are not wilted, yellowed, or have brown spots. Fresh spinach leaves will make your salad tastier and more nutritious.

2. Get Creative with Your Ingredients

One of the most fun things about making a spinach salad is that you can be creative with your ingredients. You can add fruits, nuts, cheese, and other toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, avocados, and olives. Experiment with different ingredients to find out what tastes best with your spinach salad.

Examples of ingredients that can be used in a spinach salad include:
  • Strawberries
  • Pear slices
  • Dried cranberries
  • Walnuts
  • Blue cheese crumbles
  • Bacon bits
  • Cherry tomatoes

3. Add Protein to Your Salad

Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet, and it can also make your spinach salad more filling. Adding protein to your salad can come in different forms such as hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken or beef, shredded turkey, or tofu. Adding protein will also provide the necessary nutrients required to fuel your body throughout the day.

4. Make a Homemade Salad Dressing

Salad dressings bought from the store contain a lot of preservatives and chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Why not make your own dressing? It is easy, and you can create a dressing that suits your taste buds. To make a homemade salad dressing, you can use olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, or Dijon mustard. You can also add different herbs and spices such as oregano and thyme to create a unique flavor. Making your own dressing eliminates unnecessary additives, and it's also inexpensive.

5. Wash Your Spinach Leaves Properly

Washing your spinach leaves is essential to remove dirt and other impurities that might be in the leaves. The best way to clean spinach is to place them in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Make sure to remove any damaged, brown or yellowed leaves. You can also use a salad spinner to dry the leaves, which will make them crispier and more ideal for a salad.

6. Use Different Spinach Varieties to Add Variety

Using different varieties of spinach such as baby spinach, curly spinach, or red spinach can add some variety and flavor to your salad. Baby spinach is more delicate and tender, while the curly spinach has thicker leaves and a more robust flavor. Red spinach adds a pop of color to the salad, making it more visually appealing.

7. Add Color to Your Salad

Adding color to your spinach salad will make it more appetizing and visually appealing. Adding different fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and radishes will create a more colorful salad. You can also add multi-colored microgreens or edible flowers to make it more attractive.

8. Use Pre-Washed and Pre-Cut Vegetables

Pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables are an excellent timesaver when it comes to making an almost homemade spinach salad. They are readily available in grocery stores and online shops. Pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables eliminate the need for washing and cutting vegetables, saving you time and effort. That said, the downside is that they are often more expensive compared to whole vegetables, and they spoil faster.

Conclusion

Making an almost homemade spinach salad is an easy and nutritious way to maintain a healthy diet. The tips highlighted above are some of the valuable tips to keep in mind when making an almost homemade spinach salad. Remember to choose the freshest spinach leaves, add different ingredients to create variety, include protein to make it more filling, make your dressing to avoid unnecessary additives and chemicals, wash your spinach leaves adequately, experiment with different spinach varieties, add color to your salad, and use pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables to save time.

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