Delightful Spinach and Red Onion Medley
This vibrant salad, inspired by my mother-in-law's culinary finesse, celebrates the freshness of spinach intertwined with the sweet and tangy notes of red onions. Tossed in a light dressing of red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, it’s topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and crispy garlic-flavored croutons, making it the perfect side dish or a refreshing light meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled meats, this salad brings a delightful burst of flavor to any table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Spinach Leaves
8 (washed and spun dry)
Medium Red Onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 (for garnish)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (for dressing)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Garlic-Flavored Croutons
1 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, gently place the washed and dried spinach leaves.
2
Evenly distribute the thinly sliced red onions over the spinach.
3
Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the salad.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the spinach mixture and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Carefully toss the salad using salad tongs or your hands to ensure everything is well coated.
7
Finally, add the garlic-flavored croutons on top for an added crunch.
8
Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delightful Spinach and Red Onion Medley?
It is a vibrant salad featuring fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onions, parmesan cheese, and garlic-flavored croutons tossed in a simple oil and vinegar dressing.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach leaves, a medium red onion, freshly grated parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and garlic-flavored croutons.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach leaves should be thoroughly washed and spun dry before being placed in a large salad bowl.
What kind of onion is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for one medium red onion.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be thinly sliced to ensure it distributes its flavor evenly throughout the salad.
What cheese is included in this medley?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is used to add a salty and savory note to the salad.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
While the recipe includes parmesan cheese, it can be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based substitute.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a simple whisked combination of 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.
How do you prepare the dressing?
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until they are well combined.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer a different tangy profile.
Why use extra virgin olive oil in this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing that complements the fresh spinach and onions.
When should the garlic-flavored croutons be added?
The croutons should be added at the very end to ensure they remain crispy and provide a nice crunch.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 4 people.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy due to its use of fresh greens and heart-healthy olive oil.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely; this salad pairs very well with grilled meats like chicken or steak if you wish to add protein.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Ensure the spinach is spun completely dry and only add the dressing right before you are ready to serve.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients separately in advance, but do not combine the dressing with the greens until serving.
What side dishes go well with this?
It works perfectly as a side dish for grilled meats or as a refreshing standalone light meal.
How is the salad seasoned?
The salad is seasoned with freshly ground black pepper to taste after drizzling the dressing.
Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach?
Yes, baby spinach works beautifully in this recipe and often has a more tender texture.
What can I use if I lack red wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be used as an alternative acid for the dressing.
Is the salad gluten-free?
The base ingredients are gluten-free, but the garlic-flavored croutons contain gluten.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply omit the garlic croutons or replace them with a gluten-free crouton alternative.
Can I add more vegetables to this medley?
Yes, you can easily add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
What culinary category does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Vegetable and is frequently served as a salad.
How should I toss the ingredients?
Carefully toss the salad using salad tongs or your hands to ensure the dressing coats all the leaves without bruising them.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, it should be served immediately after assembly while the ingredients are crisp and fresh.
Can I use a pre-made dressing?
While you can use a store-bought vinaigrette, the simple homemade oil and vinegar mix provides the most authentic flavor.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the culinary finesse of the creator's mother-in-law.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients required to make this salad medley.