Almond Spinach Salad

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Health score
22%
Almond Spinach Salad
45 min.
4
394kcal

Suggestions


Welcome to the vibrant world of the Almond Spinach Salad, a delightful dish that elegantly balances flavors and textures while being entirely vegetarian and gluten-free! This salad is not just a side dish; it can effortlessly transition into an antipasti, starter, or even a snack, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

The star of this salad is the fresh baby spinach, packed with nutrients and a pop of color. Complemented by the sweet crunch of candied California almonds and tart dried cranberries, every bite offers a delightful surprise. The creamy, crumbled goat cheese ties the salad together, adding a rich creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.

What sets this recipe apart is its homemade vinaigrette. This simple yet flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the salad, providing a zesty kick that will tantalize your taste buds. In just 45 minutes, you can prepare a dish that boasts a creamy, nutty, and sweet profile at 394 calories per serving.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a nutritious dish after a long day, this Almond Spinach Salad is sure to impress. It’s the perfect excuse to gather around the table, share good food, and indulge in the simple joys of life. So let’s get started and bring some fresh flavors to your kitchen!

Ingredients

  • ounce baby spinach 
  • 0.5 cup cranberries dried
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic finely minced
  • ounces goat cheese fresh crumbled
  • drop juice of lemon freshly squeezed
  • tablespoon mustard dijon-style
  • 0.5 cup olive oil extra-virgin
  • 0.8 cup slivered california almonds roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup sugar 
  • tablespoons water 
  • teaspoon citrus champagne vinegar 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • baking sheet
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • whisk
  • aluminum foil

Directions

  1. For vinaigrette, stir together mustard, garlic, sugar, lemon juice and vinegar in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until mixture is smooth and glossy.
  2. For candied almonds, preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
  3. Place a sheet of well-oiled foil on countertop.
  4. Place sugar in a very clean medium saucepan and cover with 2 tablespoons water and lemon juice.
  5. Place almonds on a baking sheet and place in oven. Bring sugar and water to a boil, and boil until sugar turns deep golden brown, swirling occasionally to ensure even color. Stir in warm almonds, and immediately spread coated almonds onto prepared foil. (Take care not to touch them--caramelized sugar is extremely hot.) Cool completely, then chop roughly or break into small pieces.
  6. To assemble salad, place spinach, candied almonds, cranberries and goat cheese in a large bowl. Toss lightly with dressing and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories394kcal
Protein10.38%
Fat47.72%
Carbs41.9%

Properties

Glycemic Index
43.52
Glycemic Load
17.85
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
20.880434964014%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.59mg
Delphinidin
0.02mg
Catechin
0.26mg
Epigallocatechin
0.52mg
Epicatechin
0.12mg
Eriodictyol
0.06mg
Hesperetin
0.04mg
Naringenin
0.09mg
Apigenin
0.03mg
Luteolin
0.3mg
Isorhamnetin
0.53mg
Kaempferol
2.34mg
Myricetin
0.49mg
Quercetin
2.17mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:394.03kcal
19.7%
Fat:21.99g
33.84%
Saturated Fat:5.69g
35.58%
Carbohydrates:43.45g
14.48%
Net Carbohydrates:39.17g
14.24%
Sugar:37.3g
41.44%
Cholesterol:13.04mg
4.35%
Sodium:175.43mg
7.63%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:10.77g
21.53%
Vitamin K:176.14µg
167.75%
Vitamin A:3618.68IU
72.37%
Vitamin E:7.06mg
47.09%
Manganese:0.87mg
43.63%
Vitamin B2:0.42mg
24.56%
Copper:0.48mg
23.94%
Magnesium:89.85mg
22.46%
Folate:81.38µg
20.35%
Phosphorus:193.3mg
19.33%
Fiber:4.28g
17.14%
Iron:2.42mg
13.47%
Calcium:134.27mg
13.43%
Vitamin C:10.22mg
12.39%
Potassium:369.39mg
10.55%
Vitamin B6:0.18mg
9.04%
Zinc:1.13mg
7.52%
Vitamin B1:0.1mg
6.59%
Vitamin B3:1.22mg
6.09%
Selenium:3.55µg
5.07%
Vitamin B5:0.36mg
3.57%
Source:Allrecipes