Zesty Spinach and Avocado Superfood Salad
Inspired by the culinary genius Nigella Lawson, this Zesty Spinach and Avocado Superfood Salad bursts with flavor and texture. Fresh baby spinach leaves provide a vibrant, nutrient-rich base, while the creamy avocados offer a luscious contrast. Crunchy green pumpkin seeds add a delightful texture, making every bite satisfying. The dressing, a zesty combination of olive oil and lime, delivers a tangy kick that beautifully harmonizes with the creaminess of the avocado and the earthiness of the spinach. For an extra layer of sophistication, consider adding smoked salmon, which elevates this salad to gourmet status. This dish is not only versatile but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing snack. Remember, if you find the dressing a bit too tart, a touch of sugar or honey can beautifully balance the flavors. Enjoy this invigorating salad, filled with nutrients and flavors, as a standalone meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite protein.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby spinach leaves
10 cups (washed and ready to use)
Green pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup (raw)
Avocados
2 medium (halved, stones removed, and flesh scooped out)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
Lime
1 (juiced and zested)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Smoked salmon
6 slices (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the washed baby spinach leaves and green pumpkin seeds, creating a vibrant base for your salad.
2
Carefully halve the avocados, remove the stones, and use a spoon to scoop the creamy flesh into the salad bowl. Gently distribute the avocado pieces over the spinach and seeds.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest until fully emulsified. Then, add the salt and mix well to incorporate.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and very gently toss the ingredients using your hands. Exercise caution to avoid mashing the avocado pieces.
5
For immediate freshness, serve the salad right away, as spinach wilts quickly.
6
If you're incorporating smoked salmon, add one slice per serving on top of the salad. Drizzle with a little extra lime juice and finish with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an added touch of elegance and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of the Zesty Spinach and Avocado Superfood Salad?
The base of this salad consists of 10 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves.
Who inspired this superfood salad recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the culinary work of Nigella Lawson.
How many avocados are required for this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 medium avocados, halved and stones removed.
What kind of seeds are used to add crunch to the salad?
The salad uses 1/2 cup of raw green pumpkin seeds for a delightful texture.
What are the ingredients in the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from a combination of olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.
Can I add a protein source to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 6 slices of smoked salmon to elevate the salad to gourmet status.
How should I toss the salad ingredients together?
It is recommended to gently toss the ingredients using your hands to avoid mashing the avocado pieces.
Why should this salad be served immediately?
The salad should be served right away because fresh spinach wilts very quickly once dressed.
What can I do if the lime dressing is too tart?
If the dressing is too tart, you can balance the flavors by adding a small touch of sugar or honey.
Is this salad suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing snack.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
How do I prepare the lime for the recipe?
You should both juice and zest the lime to get the full citrus flavor.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
How many slices of smoked salmon should I use per serving?
The recipe recommends adding one slice of smoked salmon per serving on top of the salad.
What additional seasoning is suggested for the smoked salmon garnish?
A sprinkle of cracked black pepper and a little extra lime juice are suggested for the salmon.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including the optional smoked salmon.
What texture do the pumpkin seeds provide?
The raw green pumpkin seeds provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy avocado.
Is the avocado mashed or cubed in this recipe?
The avocado flesh is scooped out in pieces and should be kept intact rather than mashed.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, avocado, healthy, lunch, snack, and nutrient-rich.
Can this salad be served as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as a standalone meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite protein.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing has a zesty and tangy flavor profile due to the lime and olive oil combination.
Does this recipe contain any fiber-rich ingredients?
Yes, spinach, avocados, and pumpkin seeds are all excellent sources of fiber and nutrients.
How should the dressing be prepared before adding it to the salad?
Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, and zest in a separate bowl until fully emulsified before adding salt.
Is this recipe considered a superfood dish?
Yes, it is labeled as a superfood salad due to its nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach and avocado.
What color are the pumpkin seeds used in the recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for green pumpkin seeds.
What should I do with the avocado stones?
The stones should be removed and discarded before scooping out the flesh.
What size should the avocados be?
The recipe suggests using 2 medium-sized avocados.
Is the spinach used in this recipe cooked or raw?
The recipe uses raw, washed baby spinach leaves.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
The first step is to combine the washed baby spinach leaves and green pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe calls for a fresh lime to provide both juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.