Citrus Kale and Spinach Salad with Pine Nuts
This refreshing and vibrant salad combines a medley of mixed greens, featuring nutrient-rich kale and spinach, accented by the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the rich flavor of olive oil. The addition of toasted pine nuts provides a delightful crunch, making this salad not only nutritious but also satisfying. This dish pairs wonderfully with hearty entrees, and is perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Enjoy it as part of a wholesome one-course meal that celebrates fresh ingredients!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons (Juiced from fresh lemons)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (Extra virgin recommended)
Mixed Salad Greens
4 cups (Washed and dried (can include kale, spinach, arugula, etc.))
Pine Nuts
1 tablespoon (Toasted lightly for added flavor)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Whisk together until well blended.
2
Add the mixed salad greens to the bowl and gently toss them in the dressing until fully coated.
3
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, being careful not to burn them.
4
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad and toss gently to incorporate.
5
Serve immediately in salad bowls and enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citrus Kale and Spinach Salad with Pine Nuts?
This is a refreshing and vibrant salad that combines kale and spinach with a lemon and olive oil dressing, topped with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients like greens, lemon juice, olive oil, and nuts.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary greens used in this salad?
The salad primarily uses a mix of nutrient-rich kale and spinach, though other greens like arugula can also be included.
What kind of oil is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, preferably juiced from fresh lemons.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 4 main ingredients: fresh lemon juice, olive oil, mixed salad greens, and pine nuts.
How do I prepare the pine nuts?
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become golden brown.
What should I avoid when toasting the pine nuts?
Be careful not to burn them, as they can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly.
How do I make the salad dressing?
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and olive oil until they are well blended.
How do I ensure the greens are properly coated?
Add the mixed salad greens to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss them until every leaf is fully coated.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine and whisk the lemon juice and olive oil in a large mixing bowl.
When should the pine nuts be added?
The toasted pine nuts should be sprinkled over the salad after the greens have been tossed in the dressing.
Should this salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve the salad immediately in salad bowls to enjoy the refreshing flavors and maintain the texture.
What does this salad pair well with?
This salad pairs wonderfully as a side dish with hearty entrees.
Can this salad be a main meal?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a wholesome one-course meal.
How much salad greens are required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of mixed salad greens that have been washed and dried.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
Is this recipe categorized under a specific food group?
This recipe is categorized under 'Nuts' due to the inclusion of pine nuts.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh lemon juice juiced from fresh lemons for the best acidity and flavor.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, mixed greens, healthy, nutritious, light meal, vegan, gluten-free, citrus, and pine nuts.
How do I prepare the salad greens?
The greens should be thoroughly washed and dried before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the amount of pine nuts used?
One tablespoon of pine nuts is used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is a simple emulsion of lemon juice and oil, whisked until well blended.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients, this salad is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I add arugula to this salad?
Yes, the instructions mention that the mixed greens can include kale, spinach, and arugula.
Is this a good recipe for a quick meal?
Yes, it involves minimal steps like whisking, tossing, and light toasting, making it very quick to prepare.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
It is described as refreshing and vibrant, featuring bright acidity from citrus and richness from olive oil.
What is the date this recipe was recorded?
The recipe was inserted into the system on October 6, 2024.