This spinach salad stands out from the rest and is incredibly easy to whip up. Every time I’ve served it, people can’t stop talking about how delicious it is! Combining fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes it a go-to dish that always impresses. It’s the kind of salad that looks great and always leaves a lasting impression!
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Jamie’s Cranberry Spinach Salad
Baby Spinach
Baby spinach serves as the base of this salad, offering a mild, earthy flavour and a tender texture. It’s rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious option.
Helpful Tip: Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your salad.
Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries bring a sweet-tart flavour that enhances the overall balance of the salad, perfectly offsetting the savoury and earthy components.
Substitution Tip: Dried cherries or raisins make great alternatives if cranberries aren’t available.
Feta Cheese
Feta adds a creamy, tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the cranberries’ sweetness and the spinach’s mildness. It’s an essential ingredient for bringing a bold flavour to the dish.
Substitution Tip: You can swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different tangy flavour profile.
Walnuts
Walnuts contribute a satisfying crunch and a deep, nutty flavour, offering textural contrast to the softness of the other ingredients.
Substitution Tip: Use pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free or alternative version.
Commonly Asked Questions: Jamie’s Cranberry Spinach Salad
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can! However, waiting and adding the dressing just before serving is best to keep the spinach from wilting.
How should I store leftover salad?
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to one day. Be sure to keep the dressing separate to preserve its freshness.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried ones?
Fresh cranberries are more tart and won’t offer the same sweetness as dried cranberries. If you’d like to use fresh, try roasting them with honey or sugar to enhance their flavour.
How many calories are in a cranberry spinach salad?
One serving of cranberry spinach salad (Salads – Cranberry Spinach Salad, Nothing But Noodles) provides 150 calories. The macronutrient distribution is 41% carbohydrates, 52% fat, and 7% protein.
Is raw spinach good for salads?
The tender, younger spinach leaves are perfect for enjoying raw in salads, while the more mature leaves are typically cooked. Spinach also has one of the quickest cooking times among all vegetables.
Is spinach salad good for weight loss?
Dark leafy green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, chard, and collard greens, are packed with calcium and are excellent choices for supporting weight loss efforts.
Is salad spinach the same as cooking spinach?
Baby spinach consists of younger, smaller leaves with a sweeter taste and more delicate stems, making them ideal for salads and raw dishes. In contrast, the larger, more mature spinach leaves are best for quick cooking.
Is spinach salad healthier than lettuce?
Leaf lettuce provides 3.3 milligrams of vitamin C and modest amounts of riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B-6. In comparison, spinach offers double those amounts, with 8.4 milligrams of vitamin C, equating to about 10% of the recommended daily intake. Additionally, spinach contains four to five times more folate and vitamin K than leaf lettuce.
Ingredients
- One tablespoon of butter
- ¾ cup of slivered, blanched almonds
- 1 pound of spinach, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- Two tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- One tablespoon of poppy seeds
- Two teaspoons minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Directions
Step 1:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the slivered almonds and cook them, stirring frequently, until they turn a light golden brown and are fragrant. Be careful not to overcook them. Once toasted to perfection, remove the almonds from the heat and set them aside to cool completely.
Step 2:
Prepare the dressing by whisking the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, and paprika in a medium bowl. Continue whisking until the ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved, forming a smooth, tangy-sweet dressing.
Step 3:
Toss the fresh spinach leaves, cooled toasted almonds, and dried cranberries in a large serving bowl. Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the spinach mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring the flavours are distributed throughout. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 338 kcal |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Conclusion
Jamie’s Cranberry Spinach Salad stands out for fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dishes. This salad combines tender baby spinach with the crunch of toasted almonds and the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. The dressing, made with a blend of vinegar, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds, adds a bright and tangy note that perfectly complements the natural flavours of the salad. Adding feta or your preferred cheese adds a creamy richness, while the walnuts (or alternative nuts) provide a satisfying crunch and a hearty, nutty flavour.
The uniqueness of this salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can prepare it beforehand, making it ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners. The ease of preparation and minimal ingredients make it accessible for any level of cook, yet it offers a sophisticated taste that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a starter, or a light main course, Jamie’s Cranberry Spinach Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a salad that nourishes and delights the senses with every bite, making it a go-to dish for any occasion!
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