Warm Spinach Salad with Smoky Sherry Vinaigrette
Indulge in this delectable Warm Spinach Salad, enriched with a robust blend of flavors that come alive with the addition of rich sherry wine vinegar and the subtle smokiness of paprika. This dish brings together fresh, vibrant spinach, tender shallots, and savory olives for a fusion of taste and texture. Enhanced with crunchy sliced almonds, this salad not only makes for a delightful starter but also a healthy main dish. Perfect for any season, it's a wholesome way to enjoy your greens while tantalizing your taste buds. Originally featured in Eating Well magazine, October 2008.
N/A
Servings
39
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
12 ounces (washed, drained, patted dry)
shallot
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
sherry wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
sliced almonds
2 tablespoons (none)
smoked paprika or hot paprika
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
reduced-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
1/3 cup (none)
black olives (Kalamata)
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and drying the fresh spinach thoroughly, then place it in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a large skillet, combine the sliced shallots, sherry wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar), and extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
3
Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reduces and thickens slightly, with most of the liquid evaporated. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in sliced almonds and smoked or hot paprika (if using), continuing to cook for another minute, until the almonds are fragrant and toasted.
5
Next, carefully add the reduced-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and chopped black olives to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
Immediately pour the warm dressing over the spinach in the bowl. Toss gently until the spinach is slightly wilted and evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
7
Serve immediately while warm, garnished with additional almonds or olives if desired.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
1g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
0.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ingredient in the Warm Spinach Salad?
The primary ingredient is 12 ounces of fresh spinach that has been washed, drained, and patted dry.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 39 calories per serving of the Warm Spinach Salad.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the smoky vinaigrette?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of sherry wine vinegar, though red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, especially when using reduced-sodium vegetable broth.
How much fat is contained in one serving?
One serving contains 2.5g of fat.
What gives this salad its signature smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of 1/4 teaspoon of smoked or hot paprika.
How many grams of protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 1g of protein per serving.
What kind of olives should be used?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of chopped black Kalamata olives.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds for added texture and fragrance.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The 1/2 cup of shallots should be thinly sliced before cooking.
What is the total carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 3g of carbohydrates.
How long does it take to cook the dressing mixture?
The shallot, vinegar, and oil mixture should cook for about 5-7 minutes until it reduces and thickens.
What is the fiber content per serving?
The salad contains 0.7g of fiber per serving.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either reduced-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The salad contains 0.3g of sugar per serving.
What was the original source of this recipe?
This recipe was originally featured in Eating Well magazine in October 2008.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, the salad should be served immediately while warm to ensure the spinach is perfectly wilted.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is the paprika mandatory?
No, the smoked or hot paprika is listed as an optional ingredient.
How do I prepare the spinach before adding the dressing?
You should wash and dry the fresh spinach thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl.
What type of oil is used for the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
When do I add the almonds to the skillet?
Add the almonds after the vinegar mixture has reduced, cooking for another minute until they are fragrant.
How much broth is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth.
What is the final step in preparing the salad?
The final step is to toss the spinach gently with the warm dressing until it is slightly wilted and evenly coated.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, warm salad, sherry vinaigrette, vegetarian, healthy, smoky flavor, and easy recipe.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
The cholesterol content for this recipe is not provided, though the ingredients are generally cholesterol-free.
Can I garnish the salad with extra ingredients?
Yes, you can garnish with additional almonds or olives if desired.
What size of skillet should be used?
A large skillet is recommended for combining the dressing ingredients over medium heat.
Does this salad contain a lot of sodium?
While specific sodium data is not provided, the recipe suggests using reduced-sodium broth.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad features fresh, vibrant spinach that is slightly wilted, combined with tender shallots and crunchy sliced almonds.