Warm spinach and bean salad

Delight your taste buds with this warm spinach and bean salad! Featuring tender green beans, fresh spinach, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty garlic vinaigrette, this nutrient-packed dish is perfect for a wholesome meal or side. Ready in just minutes, it's a healthy and delicious option everyone will love.

20 Apr 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

2 cups green beans
4 cups spinach
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp vinegar
2 garlic cloves
Warm spinach and bean salad

Warm Spinach and Bean Salad is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking for a light yet fulfilling meal. Combining the crisp texture of green beans, the earthy richness of spinach, and the crunch of walnuts, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures. The dressing, made from olive oil, vinegar, and garlic, adds a zesty touch that enhances the freshness of the ingredients. Here’s how to create this healthy and tasty dish in a few simple steps.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Trim the ends off the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry.
- Roughly chop the walnuts.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Cook the Green Beans:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
3. Toast the Walnuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts.
- Stir frequently and toast the walnuts for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
- Remove the walnuts from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Salad:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the prepared dressing.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until it starts to wilt.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss together with the spinach.
6. Assemble the Salad:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Transfer the warm spinach and green bean mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the toasted walnuts and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Toss gently to combine and ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
7. Serve:
- Serve the warm spinach and bean salad immediately as a side dish or a light main course.

Tips:

- For a quicker cooking process, consider purchasing pre-washed and trimmed green beans and spinach.

- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor.

- To add a bit of protein, you can sprinkle some feta cheese or add grilled chicken slices on top.

- Serve the salad warm immediately after preparation to enjoy the combination of fresh and cooked flavors.

- Make sure the garlic is finely minced to ensure it spreads evenly throughout the dressing.

Warm Spinach and Bean Salad is a versatile dish suitable for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a larger meal. Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent go-to recipe for those who appreciate the simplicity and goodness of fresh vegetables. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors and make it a staple in your healthy eating repertoire.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 280kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 4.99g
Sugar 3.61g
Fat 36g

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