Tropical Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this Tropical Spinach Salad, featuring fresh ingredients and a delightful honey mustard vinaigrette. Packed with vibrant flavors from juicy mangoes or ripe pears, and sweet seedless grapes, this salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. The lightly dressed fresh spinach provides a perfect backdrop for the fruit, while the poppy seeds add a subtle crunch. This dish is not just a side; it's a celebration of freshness and a favorite among family and friends. Perfect for elegant dinners or casual gatherings, this salad is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
white wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
honey
2 tablespoons (none)
salad oil
3 tablespoons (none)
poppy seeds
1 teaspoon (none)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh spinach
8 cups (torn)
mangoes or pears
1 medium (or 2 medium pears) (cored, peeled, and cubed)
seedless grapes
1 1/2 cups (halved)
Instructions
1
In a screw-top jar, add the white wine vinegar, salad oil, honey, poppy seeds, and dry mustard.
2
Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well-combined and emulsified.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn spinach leaves, cubed mangoes (or pears), and halved grapes.
4
Before serving, shake the dressing once more to ensure it's mixed, then drizzle over the salad.
5
Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients with dressing evenly.
6
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.
Nutrition Information
8
Fat
16
Carbs
1
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Tropical Spinach Salad?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach, mangoes or pears, seedless grapes, and a vinaigrette made from white wine vinegar, honey, salad oil, poppy seeds, and dry mustard.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 140 calories per serving.
Is this Tropical Spinach Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I substitute mangoes with another fruit?
Yes, you can easily substitute the mangoes with two medium ripe pears cored, peeled, and cubed.
What kind of vinegar is best for the honey mustard vinaigrette?
The recipe calls specifically for white wine vinegar to achieve the desired flavor profile.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a screw-top jar, combine the white wine vinegar, salad oil, honey, poppy seeds, and dry mustard, then shake vigorously until emulsified.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is best to prepare the dressing and fruit ahead of time but wait to toss them with the spinach until right before serving to prevent wilting.
How should the grapes be prepared for this recipe?
The seedless grapes should be halved before being added to the salad.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 8 cups of torn fresh spinach leaves.
What is the fat content of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard for a sharp, clean flavor that blends well in the vinaigrette.
Are there poppy seeds in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds which adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any protein in this salad?
Yes, there is approximately 1 gram of protein per serving.
What type of oil should I use for the dressing?
You can use a standard salad oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, or a light olive oil.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Shake the dressing vigorously in a tightly secured jar before drizzling it over the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your mustard and vinegar labels to be certain.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, toasted almonds or pecans would make a great addition for extra crunch.
What should I do if I don't have honey?
Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though the flavor will change slightly.
How do I prepare the mango?
The mango should be peeled, cored, and cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use baby spinach instead of torn spinach?
Yes, baby spinach is an excellent substitute and does not need to be torn.
What makes this salad 'Tropical'?
The combination of fresh mangoes (or pears) and grapes paired with a sweet honey vinaigrette gives it a bright, tropical flavor.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, serving immediately after tossing ensures the spinach stays crisp and the fruit remains fresh.
Is the dressing very sweet?
The dressing is balanced between the sweetness of the honey and the acidity of the white wine vinegar and mustard.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can work, though it will provide a fruitier, more pungent acidity than white wine vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 8 cups of spinach and 2.5 cups of fruit, which typically serves about 4 to 6 people as a side.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
The recipe does not list specific sodium levels, but since no salt is added, the sodium content is primarily from the natural ingredients.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is highly recommended for the best texture, as frozen fruit may become mushy when thawed in a salad.
Is this a good recipe for a party?
Absolutely, it is noted as a favorite for family and friends and is perfect for both elegant dinners and casual gatherings.
What preparation is needed for the spinach?
The spinach should be washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.