Fresh tomato & spinach salad
This Fresh Tomato & Spinach Salad combines sweet cherry tomatoes, earthy spinach, toasted pine nuts, and rich parmesan cheese, all drizzled with a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing. It's an easy, vibrant dish perfect for a healthy lunch or a side at dinner.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil2 tbsp vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes
4 cups spinach
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup basil leaves
This FreshTomato & Spinach Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the earthiness of spinach, and the rich flavors of pine nuts and parmesan cheese. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a healthy lunch or a delightful side dish at dinner.
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar until well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in halves.
- Wash the spinach leaves and pat them dry.
- Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Gently tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces.
- Place the spinach leaves in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the toasted pine nuts.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the salad.
- Add the torn basil leaves to the mixture.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the tomato & spinach salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
This FreshTomato & Spinach Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of cherry tomatoes and spinach offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, while the pine nuts add a delightful crunch and the parmesan cheese brings a touch of savory richness. Enjoy this vibrant salad on its own or as a complement to your favorite main courses.
Fresh tomato & spinach salad FAQ:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 1-2 days, but keep in mind that the spinach may wilt and the tomatoes can become soggy over time.
Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Just ensure they are toasted for added flavor.
To prepare the salad in advance, you can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately to maintain freshness, and assemble the salad just before serving.
You can use any mild vinegar such as balsamic, white wine, or apple cider vinegar. Each will give a slightly different flavor to the dressing.
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein sources like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. This will enhance the nutritional value and satiety of the dish.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra freshness, refrigerate the salad for about 20 minutes before serving.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. This will enhance their nutty flavor.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing to bring out the best flavors.
- Mix the salad just before serving to keep the spinach leaves crisp and prevent them from wilting.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
8 ServingsCalories 77kcal
Protein 3.03g
Carbohydrates 2.80g
Fiber 0.76g
Sugar 0.91g
Fat 14g
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