Vibrant Spinach and Red Bean Protein Salad
This Vibrant Spinach and Red Bean Protein Salad is the perfect marriage of color, flavor, and nutrition! A cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations, this salad transforms the simple spinach into a powerhouse of health and taste. With the richness of protein-packed red kidney beans and the wholesome goodness of hard-boiled eggs, it's as nourishing as it is delightful. The zesty, homemade dressing, balanced with garlic and a hint of mustard, elevates the dish and brings all the flavors together. Perfect as a hearty side or a light meal on its own, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering, reminiscent of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food. Experience the joy of healthy eating and bring this salad to your table today!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Organic Baby Spinach
2 bunches (Washed and dried)
Hard Boiled Eggs
8 (Chopped finely)
Red Kidney Beans
1 can (Drained and rinsed thoroughly)
Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup (None)
White Vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
Hot English Mustard
1 teaspoon (None)
Fresh Garlic Cloves
4 (Minced)
Celtic Sea Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Cracked Pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by rinsing the organic baby spinach thoroughly under cold water, then pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
2
2. In a large salad bowl, place the dried spinach as the base layer, spreading it out evenly.
3
3. Gently drain and rinse the canned red kidney beans, then create a mound of beans on top of the spinach.
4
4. Finely chop the hard-boiled eggs and arrange them atop the kidney beans to add a visual pop.
5
5. In a blender, combine the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, hot English mustard, minced garlic, Celtic sea salt, and cracked pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6
6. Alternatively, you can combine the dressing ingredients in a glass jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
7
7. Just before serving, pour a moderate amount of the dressing over the salad, being mindful not to over-soak the spinach. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly, adding more dressing as needed.
8
8. Serve immediately and relish the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Spinach and Red Bean Protein Salad?
It is a nutritious salad made with organic baby spinach, red kidney beans, and hard-boiled eggs, tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 8 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped.
What kind of beans are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for one can of red kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed thoroughly.
What type of spinach is recommended?
Organic baby spinach is recommended, specifically two bunches for this recipe.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this salad is categorized as a vegetarian dish.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel or a salad spinner.
What ingredients are in the salad dressing?
The dressing contains extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, hot English mustard, minced garlic, Celtic sea salt, and cracked pepper.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
Can I mix the dressing without a blender?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients in a glass jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from over-soaking.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
What type of mustard is used?
One teaspoon of hot English mustard is used for a zesty flavor.
How should I layer the salad?
Start with a base of spinach, add a mound of beans, and top with finely chopped hard-boiled eggs.
What kind of vinegar is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of white vinegar for the dressing.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, the combination of red kidney beans and eggs makes it a high-protein salad.
Can I use a salad spinner for this recipe?
Yes, a salad spinner is an effective way to ensure the spinach is dry after rinsing.
What is the total number of ingredients in this salad?
There are 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be hard-boiled and then chopped finely before being added to the salad.
Is the dressing blended or shaken?
The dressing can either be blended in a blender for a smooth mixture or shaken in a jar until emulsified.
Can this salad be served as a main meal?
Yes, it can be served either as a hearty side dish or as a light standalone meal.
How should I toss the salad?
Toss the salad gently just before serving to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with dressing.
What type of oil is recommended?
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and nutrition.
Does the recipe include black pepper?
Yes, it includes cracked pepper to taste.
Should the kidney beans be cooked?
The recipe uses canned red kidney beans that are drained and rinsed, so additional cooking is not required.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the ingredient amounts suggest it is suitable for a family gathering.
Is the spinach used raw or cooked?
The spinach is used raw as the base of the salad.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is zesty and balanced with the sharpness of garlic and a hint of mustard.
Is the salad served cold or warm?
The salad is served immediately after tossing, typically at room temperature or slightly chilled depending on the ingredient preparation.