Zesty Citrus Spinach & Nut Salad
Experience a vibrant and refreshing twist on traditional spinach salad with our Zesty Citrus Spinach & Nut Salad! This delightful dish combines the earthiness of fresh spinach with the sweetness of juicy navel oranges, crunchy pine nuts, and the tangy bite of red onion. Perfectly balanced with a homemade citrus dressing featuring zesty orange juice, sharp Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey, this salad is a wonderful complement to any holiday meal, particularly when served alongside succulent ham. With its bright colors and uplifting flavors, this salad is sure to impress your guests while providing a healthy, nutritious option. Best of all, this recipe yields a generous amount of dressing, allowing you to customize the salad to your taste or save leftovers for another day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spinach leaves
2 cups (fresh, rinsed)
red onion
1/2 small (thinly sliced)
navel orange
1 (fresh, peeled and separated into sections)
pine nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (preferably extra virgin)
honey
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced red onion, orange segments, and toasted pine nuts. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, chopped cilantro, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
3
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
4
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated.
5
Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, zesty salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Citrus Spinach & Nut Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines fresh spinach leaves with sweet navel oranges, crunchy pine nuts, and red onion, all tossed in a homemade citrus dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach leaves, red onion, a navel orange, toasted pine nuts, and a dressing made from orange juice, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard.
How do I make the citrus dressing?
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro, and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
What kind of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh, rinsed spinach leaves.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced for the best texture and flavor distribution in the salad.
How do I prepare the orange for the salad?
The navel orange should be peeled and separated into individual sections before being added to the bowl.
Are the pine nuts raw or toasted?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts to provide a better crunch and nutty flavor.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
White wine vinegar is used to provide a sharp, tangy bite that balances the citrus.
Can I use a specific type of olive oil?
The recipe suggests using extra virgin olive oil for the best quality and flavor.
Is there a sweetener in the dressing?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of honey are used to provide a hint of sweetness to the citrus vinaigrette.
Does the dressing contain fresh herbs?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped cilantro.
What type of mustard is required?
2 teaspoons of sharp Dijon mustard are used to emulsify the dressing and add depth.
How should the salad be seasoned?
You should season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste before pouring it over the salad.
When should I serve the salad?
It is best served immediately after tossing to ensure the spinach remains crisp and fresh.
What main dish does this salad pair well with?
This salad is a wonderful complement to holiday meals, particularly when served alongside succulent ham.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutritious option featuring fresh greens, fruits, and healthy fats from nuts and olive oil.
Can I save the leftover dressing?
Yes, the recipe yields a generous amount of dressing, allowing you to save leftovers for another day.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that involves simple tossing and whisking steps.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the salad components and dressing items.
Can I adjust the dressing amount?
Absolutely, you can customize the salad to your taste by adding as much or as little dressing as you prefer.
Is the spinach cooked?
No, the spinach is used fresh and raw as the base of the salad.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The 'zest' comes from the combination of fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While the recipe calls for pine nuts, you could easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds if desired.
Is this salad suitable for a holiday side dish?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great option for holiday meals due to its bright colors and uplifting flavors.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to combine the spinach, red onion, orange segments, and toasted pine nuts in a large bowl.
How do you ensure the dressing is well combined?
The instructions recommend whisking the dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl until emulsified.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not include specific calorie or macronutrient counts, but identifies the dish as healthy.
Is the orange juice store-bought or fresh?
The recipe recommends using freshly squeezed orange juice for the dressing.
Can I use a different sweetener than honey?
While the recipe specifies honey, you could likely use agave or maple syrup for a similar effect.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this salad is naturally gluten-free.