Spinach and Pear Summer Salad

Spinach and Pear Summer Salad Recipe from New Zealand

Region / culture: New Zealand | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Spinach and Pear Summer Salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of fresh spinach, sweet pears, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The combination of spinach and pears in a salad is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green that has been cultivated for thousands of years, while pears have been enjoyed as a sweet and juicy fruit since ancient times. The addition of feta cheese and pine nuts adds a modern twist to this traditional dish.

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh spinach leaves
2 ripe Anjou pears
5 tbsp pine nuts
4 oz (113 g) crumbled feta cheese
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 fresh lemons, juice of
balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, to serve

How to prepare

Gently wash spinach leaves under cold water.
Drain spinach leaves.
Cut pear in half and remove core and seeds.
Thinly slice pears and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Peel and very thinly slice onions.
Crumble feta cheese.
In a large bowl, place torn spinach leaves.
Arrange thin pear slices and onion on top of the spinach.
Gently crumble feta cheese over spinach, pears, and onion rings.
Finally, toss pine nuts over the entire salad.
Serve with a good quality balsamic vinegar.
Delicious with fresh bread, or simply as an appetizer.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pine nuts.
Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta cheese.
Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Sprinkling the pear slices with lemon juice will help prevent them from turning brown.

- Crumbling the feta cheese over the salad adds a creamy and tangy flavor.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish. It is also delicious served with crusty bread or as an appetizer before a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor.

- Massaging the spinach leaves with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice will help soften them and make them more tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use baby spinach leaves instead of regular spinach.

- Substitute apples or grapes for the pears.

- Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be assembled up to a day in advance, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Proteins

Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 70%

Vitamin C: 40%

Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and nuts (pine nuts).

Summary

This Spinach and Pear Summer Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

This Spinach and Pear Summer Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. With its combination of fresh spinach, sweet pears, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Spinach and Pear Summer Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Clara was known for her delicious and innovative salads, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As soon as I walked into Clara's kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma. The smell of fresh herbs and sweet pears wafted through the air, making my mouth water. Clara was busy chopping up ingredients and tossing them together in a large salad bowl. When she noticed me standing there, she smiled and beckoned me over.

"Come try this salad, dear," Clara said, handing me a forkful of the colorful mixture. "It's a Spinach and Pear Summer Salad, and I think you're going to love it."

I took a bite and was instantly blown away by the combination of flavors. The sweetness of the pears paired perfectly with the earthy spinach and the tangy vinaigrette dressing. It was light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

"Clara, this is amazing!" I exclaimed. "How did you come up with this recipe?"

Clara chuckled and replied, "Oh, this old thing? I actually learned it from a friend of mine who used to live in Italy. She taught me how to make it when I visited her a few years ago. I've been making it ever since, and it's always a hit."

I was intrigued by the story behind the recipe and begged Clara to show me how to make it myself. She gladly agreed and walked me through each step, from selecting the freshest ingredients to tossing everything together in the perfect proportions. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I knew that this salad would become a staple in my own recipe collection.

After that day, I made Spinach and Pear Summer Salad for every summer gathering and potluck I attended. It was always a crowd favorite, and everyone wanted to know the secret behind the delicious dish. I proudly shared Clara's recipe with anyone who asked, spreading the joy of this flavorful salad far and wide.

Over the years, I continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. I experimented with different types of vinegar for the dressing, swapped out the pears for other fruits like apples or strawberries, and even threw in some toasted nuts for a bit of crunch. Each variation was a success, but the original recipe from Clara remained my favorite.

As I grew older, I passed down the recipe for Spinach and Pear Summer Salad to my children and grandchildren. They, too, fell in love with the flavors and textures of this delightful dish, and it became a cherished tradition in our family gatherings. Whenever we sat down to enjoy a meal together, you could be sure that a bowl of Spinach and Pear Summer Salad would be on the table.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Clara's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and friendships that this recipe has brought into my life. It's more than just a salad – it's a symbol of love, connection, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a light and delicious salad on a hot summer day, I urge you to give Spinach and Pear Summer Salad a try. Who knows, maybe it will become a beloved recipe in your own family, passed down through generations just like it has in mine. And remember, the key ingredient is always a sprinkle of love. Happy cooking!