Mediterranean Bliss Spinach Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing Spinach Salad, inspired by a beloved local Middle Eastern take-out restaurant. Each bite bursts with sweet and tangy elements, thanks to the delightful tart cherries and juicy blood oranges, perfectly complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts. This salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a healthy option packed with nutrients. Whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or an elegant dinner, this salad is sure to leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Feel free to customize the sweetness to your liking, using honey, agave nectar, or unbleached sugar for a delectable vegan version. No eggplants were harmed in the making of this salad, ensuring an entirely vegetable-centric experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby spinach leaves
4 cups (washed and spun dried)
Dried tart cherries
2 tablespoons (none)
Toasted walnut halves
2 tablespoons (none)
Shallot
1 small (cut into thin crescents)
Blood orange
1 small (cut into small segments (ok to substitute standard orange))
Honey or unbleached white sugar
2 tablespoons (use agave nectar for a vegan version)
Water
2 tablespoons (none)
White balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Orange blossom water
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Rose water
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground cinnamon
1 pinch (none)
Kosher salt
to taste (none)
Freshly cracked black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the vinaigrette: In a non-reactive pan, combine the honey (or sugar) and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to boil until the volume is reduced by half, creating a syrup-like consistency.
2
Once reduced, remove the pan from heat and whisk in the white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil (or grapeseed oil), orange blossom water, rose water, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
3
Set the vinaigrette aside and let it cool to room temperature. Before dressing the salad, taste and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
4
In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, dried tart cherries, toasted walnut halves, shallots, and blood orange segments.
5
Drizzle the cooled vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
6
Divide the salad into two beautiful bowls and garnish with additional walnuts if desired.
7
Serve immediately with slices of whole wheat pita bread or a crunchy French baguette.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Bliss Spinach Salad?
It is a refreshing spinach salad inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, featuring sweet and tangy elements like tart cherries, blood oranges, and toasted walnuts.
Is this spinach salad vegan?
The salad can be made vegan by substituting honey with agave nectar or unbleached white sugar.
What type of spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for four cups of baby spinach leaves that have been washed and spun dried.
What are the fruit components in the salad?
The salad includes dried tart cherries and segments of blood orange.
Can I use a regular orange instead of a blood orange?
Yes, standard oranges are a perfectly acceptable substitute for blood oranges in this recipe.
How do I prepare the vinaigrette base?
Combine honey or sugar with water in a pan, bring to a boil, and reduce the volume by half until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.
What oils can be used for the dressing?
You can use either extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil for the vinaigrette.
What gives the vinaigrette its unique Middle Eastern aroma?
The addition of orange blossom water and rose water provides the salad's signature floral and aromatic profile.
Are there any spices in the dressing?
Yes, a pinch of ground cinnamon is whisked into the vinaigrette.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The recipe specifies using toasted walnut halves for the best crunch and flavor.
What type of vinegar works best for this salad?
White balsamic vinegar is recommended, though white wine vinegar is a suitable alternative.
How do I cut the shallot for this recipe?
The shallot should be cut into thin crescents before being added to the salad bowl.
Should the vinaigrette be served hot?
No, the vinaigrette should be set aside to cool to room temperature before being drizzled over the spinach.
What is the best way to toss the salad?
Gently toss the ingredients with the vinaigrette, taking care not to bruise the delicate baby spinach leaves.
What side dishes go well with this spinach salad?
It is best served with slices of whole wheat pita bread or a crunchy French baguette.
Does this recipe contain eggplant?
No, the description explicitly mentions that no eggplants were used in the making of this salad.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 ingredients used to make the salad and its vinaigrette.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
Yes, you can customize the sweetness to your liking using honey, agave, or sugar.
Is this salad suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is designed to be a healthy option that works for both a light lunch or an elegant dinner.
What kind of salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The salad is inspired by a beloved local Middle Eastern take-out restaurant's flavors.
How much orange blossom water should be added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of orange blossom water.
How much rose water is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of rose water.
Are the walnuts added all at once?
Most are tossed in the salad, but you can also use additional walnuts as a garnish before serving.
Is the recipe time-consuming?
The preparation is straightforward, involving simple boiling of syrup and assembling fresh ingredients.
What is the serving suggestion for this salad?
It is suggested to divide the salad into two beautiful bowls and serve immediately.
Can I use unbleached white sugar?
Yes, unbleached white sugar is one of the options listed for creating the vinaigrette syrup.
What makes the salad 'blissful'?
The 'bliss' comes from the combination of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, healthy nutrients, and satisfying textures.
Is the spinach cooked?
No, the baby spinach is served fresh and raw to maintain its nutrients and crisp texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free, though the suggested sides (pita and baguette) are not.