Cranberry Maple Spinach Salad Delight
This vibrant and nutritious Cranberry Maple Spinach Salad Delight is a perfect addition to any meal or can stand as a light lunch on its own. Fresh, tender spinach leaves are complemented by the irresistible sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. Topped with thinly sliced red onions for a hint of sharpness, this salad is both colorful and delicious. The star of the dish is the homemade maple vinaigrette, which offers a delightful tang from the cider vinegar and an aromatic sweetness from the maple syrup. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this salad is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach leaves
8 cups (loosely packed)
Toasted pecans
1/2 cup
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup
Red onion
1/2 small (thinly sliced)
Cider vinegar
1/4 cup
Cranberry juice
1/4 cup
Maple syrup
2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Vegetable oil
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the spinach leaves under cool water. Gently dry them using a salad spinner or by patting them with a clean kitchen towel.
2
On a large serving platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the clean spinach leaves as the salad base.
3
Sprinkle the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion evenly over the spinach, preparing the salad for the vinaigrette.
4
In a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cider vinegar, cranberry juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5
Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed, creating a vibrant vinaigrette.
6
Slowly add the vegetable oil to the jar, then shake again until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
7
Just before serving, give the vinaigrette one final shake and generously pour it over the salad, tossing gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Maple Spinach Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad featuring fresh spinach leaves, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and red onions, tossed in a homemade maple vinaigrette.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include 8 cups of spinach, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, red onion, and a dressing made with cider vinegar, cranberry juice, maple syrup, mustard, and oil.
How do I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly under cool water and dry them using a salad spinner or by patting them with a clean towel.
What kind of pecans should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of toasted pecans to provide a better crunch and deeper flavor.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness and texture, but fresh cranberries can be used if you prefer a much tarter flavor profile.
How do I make the maple vinaigrette?
Combine cider vinegar, cranberry juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar, shake well, then add vegetable oil and shake again until emulsified.
What type of onion is best for this salad?
Thinly sliced red onion is used to provide a hint of sharpness and a pop of color.
Is this salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Cranberry Maple Spinach Salad Delight is completely vegetarian.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and dressing separately, but wait to toss the salad until just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
How do I emulsify the salad dressing?
Shake the jar vigorously after adding the oil until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
What can I substitute for cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar in the dressing.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or agave nectar can be used as an alternative sweetener to maple syrup.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or sliced almonds would also work well with these flavors.
How much spinach is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 cups of loosely packed fresh spinach leaves.
What kind of vegetable oil should I use?
A neutral vegetable oil works best, but you could also use a light olive oil or avocado oil.
Can I add cheese to this spinach salad?
Yes, adding crumbled goat cheese or feta would complement the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option filled with leafy greens, antioxidants from cranberries, and healthy fats from pecans.
What is the best way to serve the salad?
Arrange the spinach on a large platter or bowl, top with the other ingredients, and toss gently with the vinaigrette just before serving.
Can I use bottled dressing?
While you can use a store-bought vinaigrette, the homemade maple vinaigrette is the star of this dish and highly recommended.
Why is Dijon mustard included in the dressing?
Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay blended.
Can I use frozen spinach?
No, fresh spinach leaves are necessary for the correct texture and presentation of this salad.
How do I toast the pecans?
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and slightly darkened.
Can I add protein like chicken to make it a meal?
Absolutely, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs would turn this into a hearty main dish.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge; once dressed, the spinach will wilt quickly and is best eaten immediately.
What is the role of cranberry juice in the dressing?
Cranberry juice adds a beautiful color and reinforces the fruity flavor of the dried cranberries in the salad.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that requires simple assembly and basic mixing techniques.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is an excellent substitute if you do not have maple syrup on hand.
Is the red onion mandatory?
No, you can omit the onion if you prefer a milder flavor, or use green onions for a softer bite.
What kind of bowl should I use?
A large, shallow serving bowl or a decorative platter works best for showcasing the colorful ingredients.
How long does the vinaigrette last in the fridge?
The homemade vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.