Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing

Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing Recipe - Vegetarian Food

| Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing is a delicious and nutritious salad that combines the earthy flavors of beets with the freshness of spinach. The warm beet dressing adds a unique twist to this classic salad, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic spinach salad, which has been a popular dish for many years. The addition of warm beet dressing adds a new dimension to the salad, creating a flavorful and colorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 slices whole wheat bread, cut into cubes
8 oz (227 g) (or 2 small) fresh beets
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small shallot, minced
1 tbsp honey mustard
0.25 cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
12 oz (340 g) spinach, thoroughly washed, stems removed
4 oz (113 g) button mushrooms, wiped clean, stems trimmed and sliced

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Fill a medium-sized bowl with water and ice, then add the onions. Let them stand for 30 minutes, drain, and set aside.
Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10–15 minutes or until golden, tossing occasionally. Set the croutons aside.
Place the beets in a small saucepan filled with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes or until tender.
Drain the beets and let them cool until easy to handle. Peel the beets and cut them into 0.5-inch cubes. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the honey mustard, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved (about 1 minute). Then, add the remaining oil and reduce the heat to low. Add the beet cubes and toss to coat.
Arrange the spinach leaves, onions, and mushrooms on plates. Drizzle with the beet dressing and garnish with croutons.

Variations

Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy texture.
Substitute arugula or mixed greens for the spinach.
Roast the beets instead of boiling them for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach and remove any tough stems before using.

- Toasting the bread cubes adds a crunchy texture to the salad.

- Boiling the beets until tender ensures that they are easy to peel and cut into cubes.

- Letting the onions stand in ice water helps to mellow their flavor and crisp them up.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to accompany a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the beets until tender

- Toasting the bread cubes

- Making the warm beet dressing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use baby spinach instead of regular spinach

- Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar

- Use maple syrup instead of sugar

Make Ahead Tips

The beets can be boiled and peeled ahead of time, and the dressing can be made in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

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

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beet dressing gently on the stove before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this recipe mainly come from the beets, bread, and sugar in the dressing. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the vegetable oil used for cooking and in the dressing. Fats are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals and are an important part of a healthy diet.

Proteins

This recipe is not high in protein, but the spinach and mushrooms do provide some protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Beets are high in folate, potassium, and manganese. Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat in the form of whole wheat bread. It may also contain allergens such as mustard and mushrooms. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a mix of fresh vegetables, crunchy croutons, and a warm beet dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy it as a light meal or side dish for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly coffee and chat. As we sat sipping our steaming cups of tea, Margaret suddenly pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her collection.

"Mary, you simply must try this recipe," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a family favorite, passed down from my grandmother. I know you love spinach salads, and this warm beet dressing is simply divine."

I eagerly took the card from her hands, my curiosity piqued by the combination of ingredients listed. Spinach, roasted beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and a warm vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar and honey. It sounded like a symphony of flavors, a perfect blend of earthy sweetness and tangy richness.

Margaret had always been a wonderful cook, and I trusted her judgment when it came to recipes. So, I decided to give it a try. The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The smell of roasting beets filled the air, mingling with the sharp aroma of balsamic vinegar as it simmered on the stove.

As I tossed the spinach leaves with the warm dressing and topped them with the roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant colors and textures before me. The salad looked like a work of art, a masterpiece of flavor and presentation.

I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The sweetness of the beets, the creaminess of the goat cheese, the crunch of the walnuts, and the tangy dressing all came together in perfect harmony. It was a revelation, a revelation that I had stumbled upon a culinary gem.

From that day on, Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing became a staple in my repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and cozy nights at home. Every time I served it, it received rave reviews, and I basked in the praise, knowing that I had Margaret to thank for introducing me to such a delicious dish.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. Sometimes I use baby spinach instead of regular, or I substitute pecans for walnuts. But the core ingredients remain the same, a testament to the timeless appeal of this salad.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at Margaret's house, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous discovery of Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing. It has brought me joy, satisfaction, and countless moments of culinary bliss.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a new recipe to try, I urge you to give this one a whirl. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, perhaps you too will experience that same sense of anticipation and excitement that I felt all those years ago. Enjoy!