Savory Spinach & Roquefort Delight Salad
Elevate your salad experience with this Savory Spinach & Roquefort Delight Salad, a luscious blend of flavors inspired by French cuisine. This vibrant salad combines the earthy freshness of baby spinach with the sharp, creamy notes of Roquefort cheese. Sweet, tart apples bring a refreshing crunch, while toasted sunflower seeds add a nutty element that complements the dish beautifully. Drizzled with a homemade cider vinaigrette, this salad is not only a feast for the palate but also a celebration of harmonious textures and bold flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or as a sophisticated appetizer.
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon
Honey
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Cracked Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons
Water
2 tablespoons
Shallot, minced
1 (about 3 tablespoons)
Sunflower Seeds, hulled
1/4 cup (toasted)
Baby Spinach
1 (6-ounce bag)
Large Apple
1 (thinly sliced)
Roquefort Cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the mixture is emulsified. Stir in the minced shallots and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2
Toast the Sunflower Seeds: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the hulled sunflower seeds. Toast them for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small bowl to cool.
3
Prepare the Apples: Slice the large apple very thinly, keeping the peel on for added color and texture. Opt for a tart apple for a delicious contrast or a mix of two varieties for additional depth of flavor.
4
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, thinly sliced apple, crumbled Roquefort cheese, and cooled sunflower seeds. Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Divide among individual salad plates and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
4.5g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of the Savory Spinach & Roquefort Delight Salad?
The main base of this salad is fresh baby spinach.
What type of cheese is featured in this recipe?
This recipe features Roquefort cheese, which provides a sharp and creamy flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 60 calories per serving.
What kind of fruit is included in the salad?
The salad includes one large apple, preferably a tart variety, sliced very thinly.
What are the ingredients for the cider vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, cracked black pepper, olive oil, water, and minced shallots.
How do you prepare the sunflower seeds?
The hulled sunflower seeds should be toasted in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
As written, it contains Roquefort cheese and honey, so it is vegetarian but not vegan. However, it can be adapted with vegan alternatives.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains 4.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides 1.7g of protein.
Should the apple be peeled before slicing?
No, the recipe recommends keeping the peel on for added color and texture.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to help emulsify and flavor the vinaigrette.
How do I emulsify the vinaigrette?
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, honey, and spices together, then gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk.
What provides the nutty element in this dish?
Toasted sunflower seeds provide the nutty crunch in this salad.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 4.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What cuisine style inspired this recipe?
This salad is inspired by French cuisine.
How much cider vinegar is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar.
What is the purpose of adding water to the dressing?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of water to help balance the consistency of the vinaigrette.
When should the vinaigrette be added to the salad?
The vinaigrette should be drizzled over the salad just before serving to keep the leaves fresh.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, while tart apples are recommended for contrast, you can use a mix of varieties for additional depth.
How much Roquefort cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of crumbled Roquefort cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Divide the tossed salad among individual plates and serve immediately.
How do I prepare the shallot?
The shallot should be finely minced before being stirred into the vinaigrette.
What size bag of spinach is needed?
One 6-ounce bag of baby spinach is required.
Can this be served as a main course?
It is best suited as a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer.
How long does it take to toast the seeds?
It takes approximately 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat.
What seasoning is used for the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and cracked black pepper.
What is the amount of sunflower seeds needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of hulled sunflower seeds.
Is there any honey in the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of honey is used to add a touch of sweetness to the vinaigrette.
How many shallots are used?
One shallot, which yields about 3 tablespoons when minced, is used in the dressing.