Crispy Spinach and Cashew Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This Crisp Spinach and Cashew Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The freshness of spinach and lettuce pairs beautifully with the crunch of toasted cashews and the savory goodness of crisp bacon. The creamy poppy seed dressing adds a touch of sweetness while keeping the overall fat content balanced and in check. Perfect as a side dish or an appetizer, this salad celebrates fresh ingredients and is a great choice for health-conscious eaters. Remember, by omitting the bacon and cashews, you can further reduce the fat content, making this salad an excellent option for those on a low-fat diet. Enjoy it at gatherings or as a refreshing meal any day of the week!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1/2 lb (Chopped and cooked until crisp.)
Cashews
1/2 cup (Pieces, preferably toasted.)
Spinach
5 ounces (Washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.)
Lettuce
1/2 head (about 8 ounces) (Washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated.)
Oil
2/3 cup (Used for dressing.)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Used for dressing.)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 cup (Used for dressing.)
Dry Mustard
1/4 teaspoon (Used for dressing.)
Red Onions
1 1/2 teaspoons (Finely grated, used for dressing.)
Poppy Seeds
1 tablespoon (Used for dressing.)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the bacon into small pieces and frying them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
2
While the bacon cools, wash the spinach and lettuce thoroughly. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
3
Add the toasted cashew pieces and grated mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the greens.
4
Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it and add it to the salad mixture.
5
In a blender, combine the oil, sugar, red wine vinegar, dry mustard, finely grated red onions, and poppy seeds. Blend until smooth to create the poppy seed dressing.
6
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture right before serving and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
7
Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main title of this recipe?
The recipe is titled Crispy Spinach and Cashew Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.
What greens are used in this salad?
This salad uses a combination of 5 ounces of spinach and 1/2 head of lettuce, which is about 8 ounces.
How do you prepare the bacon for the salad?
Chop the bacon into small pieces and fry them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on a paper towel.
What type of nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of toasted cashew pieces.
What ingredients are needed for the poppy seed dressing?
The dressing consists of oil, sugar, red wine vinegar, dry mustard, finely grated red onions, and poppy seeds.
How should the spinach and lettuce be prepped?
Both the spinach and lettuce should be washed thoroughly and torn into bite-sized pieces.
Is there cheese in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Can this salad be made low-fat?
Yes, you can further reduce the fat content by omitting the bacon and the cashews.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifically uses 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
How do I prepare the red onions for the dressing?
The 1 1/2 teaspoons of red onions should be finely grated before being added to the dressing blend.
How much sugar is in the dressing recipe?
The dressing contains 1/3 cup of sugar.
What tool is used to mix the dressing?
A blender is used to combine the oil, sugar, vinegar, mustard, onions, and poppy seeds until smooth.
Is the cashew amount specific?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of cashew pieces, and they are preferably toasted for better flavor.
What is the serving suggestion for this salad?
It should be served immediately after dressing for the freshest taste, either as a side dish or an appetizer.
What type of mustard is required for the poppy seed dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How much oil is used in the poppy seed dressing?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of oil for the dressing base.
How much bacon is used in the salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp.
Is this salad suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it celebrates fresh ingredients and is described as a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
How many poppy seeds are needed?
The dressing uses 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features a delightful blend of textures, from fresh leafy greens to crunchy toasted cashews and savory crisp bacon.
Can I use this recipe for a party?
Yes, it is recommended for gatherings or as a refreshing meal any day of the week.
How many ingredients in total are in this salad recipe?
There are 11 ingredients listed in total for both the salad and the dressing.
What is the preparation for the mozzarella cheese?
The mozzarella cheese should be grated before adding it to the greens.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information like calories or fat?
The provided recipe data currently has null values for calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and other nutritional metrics.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, cashew salad, low-fat, side dish, and appetizer.
How do I ensure the bacon is not too greasy?
After frying the bacon, place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat before crumbling it into the salad.
In what order should I combine the salad ingredients?
Tear the greens, add cashews and cheese, then add the crumbled bacon, and finally drizzle with the blended dressing.
How much lettuce is needed for this recipe?
Use 1/2 head of lettuce, which weighs approximately 8 ounces.
What is the recommended heat for cooking the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a crispy consistency.