“`html
If you’re searching for a salad that feels both fresh and indulgent, the Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. It’s a delightful harmony of tender baby spinach, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and sweet-tart craisins, all elevated by a luscious homemade balsamic vinaigrette that you whip up in just minutes. This recipe balances vibrant textures and flavors effortlessly, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a fancy side dish, or a healthy snack that feels like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic lies in its beautifully simple ingredients, each bringing its own color, texture, and flavor to the party. From the leafy freshness of baby spinach to the rich tang of goat cheese, and the sweet crunch of walnuts and craisins, every component shines.
- 8 ounces baby spinach: The fresh, tender base of the salad, packed with vitamins and a vibrant green color.
- 3 ounces goat cheese (crumbled): Adds a creamy, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the greens.
- ½ cup toasted walnuts: Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
- ½ cup craisins: Offers a sweet contrast that brightens the flavor profile.
- Pepper to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat that livens up the salad.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette a subtle kick and creamy texture.
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: The core tangy sweetness of the vinaigrette, balancing out the salad beautifully.
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich dressing with a fruity undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the freshness.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A touch more for the vinaigrette to bring it all together.
How to Make Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the baby spinach, crumbled goat cheese, craisins, and toasted walnuts into a large salad bowl. These fresh ingredients form the delicious foundation of your salad and will soon be kissed by that irresistible vinaigrette.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and glossy. This homemade dressing is quick to make and bursting with flavor, tying all the salad ingredients into a perfect, harmonious bite.
Step 3: Dress and Season the Salad
Drizzle your homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture, gently tossing to coat the spinach and toppings evenly. Finish by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to taste, adding a touch of warmth and spice that enhances the overall freshness.
How to Serve Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few thin slices of red onion for extra crunch and bite. Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley can add a burst of green aroma that complements the vinaigrette beautifully.
Side Dishes
This spinach salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a hearty quinoa bowl. It’s light enough to stand on its own but also versatile as a side to elevate your main course.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or packed lunch option, layering the vinaigrette at the bottom so the spinach stays crisp until tossed. Alternatively, pile the salad onto a rustic wooden serving platter for a vibrant, communal feel at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the spinach from wilting and keeps each component tasting fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it again the next day.
Freezing
Since this salad relies heavily on fresh spinach and crunchy nuts, it’s not ideal for freezing. The texture will suffer, and the greens will become watery and limp.
Reheating
This is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. Simply toss again with any extra dressing if it looks dry after storing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the goat cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Feta or ricotta salata are great alternatives that complement the salad’s flavors well. Goat cheese adds a creamy tang, but these options will offer different but delicious textures and tastes.
How should I toast walnuts for the salad?
Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toss in the walnuts, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly browned. This step brings out their rich, nutty flavor.
Is there a vegan version of the Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe?
Yes! Skip the goat cheese and use toasted pine nuts or sliced avocado for creaminess. The vinaigrette is already vegan-friendly, making this salad easy to adapt.
Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?
Definitely. You can make the homemade balsamic vinaigrette up to a week ahead and store it in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using since the oil and vinegar may separate.
What makes this Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe so special?
The combination of textures and freshness, coupled with a bright, tangy vinaigrette made from scratch, creates a salad that’s simple yet exquisite. It’s the kind of dish that feels fresh every time but with a unique homemade touch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. It’s one of those dishes that is effortlessly elegant yet incredibly approachable—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a nutritious and flavorful meal. Go ahead, whip it up, and watch your salad game transform instantly!
“`
Print
Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and nutritious Spinach Salad featuring tender baby spinach, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and sweet craisins, all tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces baby spinach (washed and dried)
- 3 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- ½ cup craisins
- Pepper to taste
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Place the baby spinach, crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and craisins into a large salad bowl. Toss them gently to combine.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture, then toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat to bring out their flavor and crunch.
- For added texture, consider adding thinly sliced red onions or cucumber.
- Use fresh baby spinach to ensure the salad is tender and vibrant.
- Store leftover dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
