Teresa's Recipes
Goat Cheese and Spinach Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Goat Cheese and Spinach Salad, where the creamy tang of goat cheese harmonizes beautifully with the crisp freshness of baby spinach. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, featuring the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of walnuts, and the pop of juicy cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a rich balsamic vinaigrette. This salad not only serves as a refreshing appetizer but can also be a delightful main course on warmer days. Historically, salads like this one have been part of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, celebrated for their nutritious ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 cups, washed and dried Baby spinach
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped Walnuts
- 1/3 cup Dried cranberries
- 4 oz, crumbled Goat cheese
- 1/4 cup Balsamic vinaigrette
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 7g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the washed and dried baby spinach.
- Top the spinach with the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade) until well combined.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and enjoy!
Tips
- For a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, combine 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until emulsified.
- Add sliced strawberries or pears for an added layer of sweetness.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.