Description
A fresh and vibrant Winter Spinach Salad featuring crisp spinach leaves, sweet pomegranate seeds, crunchy sliced almonds, tangy feta cheese, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a homemade balsamic honey vinaigrette. This no-cook, quick-to-prepare salad is perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish during the colder months.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, removing any tough stems or wilted leaves to ensure freshness and the best texture.
- Arrange the spinach: Place the spinach in a large salad bowl, spreading it out evenly as the salad base.
- Add pomegranate seeds: Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds evenly over the spinach leaves to add bursts of sweetness and color.
- Add sliced almonds: Spread the sliced almonds on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Add crumbled feta: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and distribute it evenly over the salad for a tangy, creamy element.
- Add red onion: Thinly slice the red onion and scatter it over the salad for a mild sharpness.
- Add dried cranberries: Toss the dried cranberries across the salad to introduce chewy, sweet notes.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients together vigorously until well emulsified and smooth.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad gradually, starting with a small amount.
- Toss salad: Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing without bruising the spinach.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if desired for balanced seasoning.
- Serve or store: Serve immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate for a short time before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, use fresh baby spinach and remove excess moisture before assembling.
- Feel free to substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to taste for desired sweetness level.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the crunch of the nuts and the vibrancy of the spinach.
- Can be made ahead but add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.
