Fresh Farmer's Market Spinach Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad celebrates the freshness of organic produce sourced from local farmers' markets. Inspired by a family gathering dish, it features a delightful combination of tender baby spinach, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet carrots, all beautifully arranged for a visual feast. The zesty lime vinaigrette, with bright lime juice and a touch of champagne vinegar, enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming the dish. This simple yet elegant salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side to accompany grilled meats, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
2
Servings
160
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Limes, juice of
2 (Juiced)
Grated lime zest
1/2 teaspoon (Grated)
Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
1 pinch (N/A)
Cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt-free garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Fresh baby spinach leaves
4-5 cups (Rinsed and dried)
Medium tomato
1 (Seeded and diced)
Shallots
2 (Peeled and sliced)
English cucumber
1/3 (Sliced)
Celery & leaves
1/4 cup (Sliced thinly)
Small carrot
1 (Grated)
Fresh basil
2 tablespoons (Chiffonade (optional))
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the lime vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, grated lime zest, champagne vinegar, salt, cracked black pepper, salt-free garlic powder, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined. For best flavor, allow the dressing to rest for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2
In a large, attractive salad bowl, place the fresh baby spinach leaves. Give them a gentle toss to aerate.
3
Arrange the diced tomatoes around the edges of the bowl, creating a colorful border.
4
Toss the sliced shallots and cucumbers in little mounds alongside the tomatoes for added crunch and flavor.
5
Sprinkle the sliced celery evenly across the salad, adding another layer of texture.
6
Grate the carrot and place it centrally atop the spinach mixture to draw the eyes and palate in. If desired, scatter the chiffonade of fresh basil on top for a fragrant touch.
7
Serve the salad immediately, drizzling the zesty lime vinaigrette over individual portions, or offer it on the side for guests to add their desired amount.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
14.5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Fresh Farmer's Market Spinach Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What is the caloric content per serving?
There are 160 calories in each serving.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this salad?
There are 14.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 1.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content?
There are 4g of fiber per serving.
What ingredients are in the lime vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette contains lime juice, lime zest, champagne or white wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, salt-free garlic powder, and extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the vinaigrette rest?
The dressing should rest for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop.
What can be used instead of champagne vinegar?
White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for champagne vinegar.
How many limes are required for the juice?
The recipe calls for the juice of 2 limes.
How much lime zest should be used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of grated lime zest.
What type of garlic powder is needed?
The recipe specifies using salt-free garlic powder.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of spinach is used as the base?
The recipe uses 4-5 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves.
How should the tomato be prepared?
One medium tomato should be seeded and diced.
What is the preparation for the shallots?
The recipe requires 2 shallots, peeled and sliced.
How much cucumber is added?
Add 1/3 of an English cucumber, sliced.
How should the celery be sliced?
The celery and its leaves should be sliced thinly.
How is the carrot prepared for this salad?
One small carrot should be grated.
Is basil a required ingredient?
Fresh basil is an optional ingredient, suggested as a chiffonade for fragrance.
How are the tomatoes arranged in the bowl?
Tomatoes should be arranged around the edges of the bowl to create a colorful border.
Where should the grated carrot be placed?
The grated carrot should be placed centrally on top of the spinach.
When should the salad be served?
The salad should be served immediately for peak freshness.
Can I serve the dressing on the side?
Yes, you can either drizzle the vinaigrette over individual portions or offer it on the side for guests.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish from a family gathering.
Is this a good recipe for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a light lunch or as a versatile side dish.
What are some suggested pairings for this salad?
It is recommended as an accompaniment to grilled meats.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients in this recipe.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, lime vinaigrette, healthy, fresh, organic, vegetable, farmers market, and summer salad.