Citrusy Spinach and Macadamia Delight
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing 'Citrusy Spinach and Macadamia Delight.' This vibrant salad blends the earthy flavor of baby spinach with the zesty sweetness of blood oranges, the crunch of toasted macadamia nuts, and the sweetness of corn. It's drizzled with a homemade dressing that combines fragrant hazelnut oil and sherry wine vinegar, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a light lunch. Don’t miss out on this nutritious dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning and easy to prepare!
6
Servings
133
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
macadamia nuts
3/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
blood oranges
4 (peeled and sectioned)
baby spinach leaves
5 cups (washed, stemmed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces)
cooked corn
1 cup (cooked)
garlic
1/2 clove (minced)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
sherry wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
hazelnut oil
3 tablespoons
blood orange juice
1-2 tablespoons (reserved from sectioning the fruit)
Instructions
1
In a small dry skillet, toast the coarsely chopped macadamia nuts over medium heat until they are light golden brown and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2
Peel and section the blood oranges over a bowl to collect the juices, then cut the segments into 1/2-inch dice. Set aside, reserving the juice for the dressing.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted macadamia nuts, diced oranges, baby spinach leaves, and cooked corn. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
4
To prepare the dressing, in a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a fork, mash the mixture to create a smooth paste.
5
Gradually add the sherry wine vinegar to the garlic mixture, whisking until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the hazelnut oil while whisking continuously until the dressing thickens.
6
Add the reserved blood orange juice to the dressing, whisking until well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or orange juice to taste.
7
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad mixture, tossing gently to coat the spinach lightly.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
7
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrusy Spinach and Macadamia Delight?
It is a refreshing salad that blends baby spinach with blood oranges, toasted macadamia nuts, and cooked corn, topped with a hazelnut oil and sherry vinegar dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 133 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
The salad contains 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped macadamia nuts.
What specific variety of oranges should be used?
The recipe specifically uses 4 blood oranges for their zesty sweetness.
How do I prepare the macadamia nuts?
Coarsely chop the nuts and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
What kind of spinach is needed?
You will need 5 cups of baby spinach leaves that are washed, stemmed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces.
Does this salad contain corn?
Yes, it includes 1 cup of cooked corn.
What kind of oil is used for the dressing?
The dressing is made using 3 tablespoons of fragrant hazelnut oil.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of sherry wine vinegar.
Is there garlic in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/2 clove of minced garlic.
What kind of mustard is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How should the blood oranges be prepared?
They should be peeled and sectioned, with the segments then cut into 1/2-inch dice.
Should I save the juice from the blood oranges?
Yes, you should reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the juice to include in the dressing.
How is the dressing base created?
Minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper are mashed together with a fork into a smooth paste.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
The dressing should be poured over the salad just before serving to keep the spinach from wilting.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this salad is classified as a vegetarian dish.
What is the general dietary profile of this recipe?
It is a healthy, citrus-based salad that is both nutritious and easy to prepare.
How do I incorporate the hazelnut oil into the dressing?
Slowly drizzle the oil into the garlic and vinegar mixture while whisking continuously until it thickens.
How long does it take to toast the nuts?
It takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
How large should the orange pieces be?
The orange segments should be cut into approximately 1/2-inch dice.
Can I adjust the flavor of the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional salt or more reserved blood orange juice to taste.
How are the salad ingredients combined?
Toss the toasted macadamia nuts, diced oranges, spinach, and corn together in a large mixing bowl.
What is the role of the sherry wine vinegar?
It provides a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the oranges and the richness of the hazelnut oil.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is quick to assemble.
What is the recipe category?
This dish is categorized as a salad.