Spinach Cranberry Walnut Salad

Looking for a healthy, easy-to-make salad recipe that tastes great and is packed with nutrients? Look no further than this spinach cranberry walnut salad!

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Spinach Cranberry Walnut Salad

Meg

This recipe is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy spinach cranberry walnut salad. The recipe includes a simple balsamic dressing and can be customized by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. The salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Additionally, the recipe includes equipment required and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Course Light Meal, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Any

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Salad bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Small bowl for the dressing
• Paper towels for drying the spinach
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife for slicing the red onion and chopping the walnuts (if not pre-chopped)
• Grill or pan to cook chicken or shrimp if adding to the salad (Optional)

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Start by washing the baby spinach and patting it dry with paper towels. Add it to a large salad bowl.
• Add the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion to the salad bowl with the spinach. Mix everything together.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
• Serve the spinach cranberry walnut salad immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach leaves work best for this recipe, but you can also use pre-washed bagged spinach if you prefer.
• Dried Cranberries: Be sure to use unsweetened dried cranberries, as sweetened versions can add extra sugar and calories to the recipe.
• Walnuts: If you prefer a more toasty flavor, you can toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they are lightly browned.
• Red onion: If you find raw onions too strong, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow out their flavor.
• Chicken or shrimp: You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to make this salad a more substantial meal. Grill or sauté the protein in a little bit of oil until cooked through, then let it cool before adding it to the salad.
• Dressing: The balsamic dressing for this salad is simple and versatile, but you can also use your favorite store-bought dressing if you prefer.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Mix everything together with the dressing just before serving.

Keyword Spinach Cranberry Walnut Salad

Nutritional Benefits Of Our Spinach Cranberry Walnut Salad.

Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, containing high levels of vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as iron and calcium. Adding spinach to your diet can help support bone health, lower blood pressure, and improve your immune system.

Cranberries are also packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These tart berries are known to help prevent urinary tract infections and improve gut health.

Walnuts are a good source of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation in your body.

Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor to the salad and provides a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B12.

Balsamic vinaigrette is a tasty dressing that is low in calories and contains healthy fats. It also has antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation in your body.

Overall, our spinach cranberry walnut salad is a nutritious and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also a great way to add some variety to your diet and experiment with new flavors and textures.

Final Thought On Making This Spinach Cranberry Walnut Salad.

This spinach cranberry walnut salad is a tasty and healthy dish that is easy to make and packed with nutrients.