Zesty Spinach and Bean Sprout Salad
This refreshing Zesty Spinach and Bean Sprout Salad is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. With the crisp crunch of bean sprouts complemented by the tender leaves of fresh spinach, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. The dressing—a delightful blend of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce—adds a tangy twist that awakens the palate. This recipe is inspired by traditional Oriental cooking, offering a healthy and delicious way to boost your vegetable intake while tantalizing your taste buds.
4
Servings
38
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
Bean Sprouts
1/2 lb (washed)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Vinegar
4 teaspoons (none)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Toasted Sesame Seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted)
Instructions
1
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully pour the boiling water over the washed spinach in a colander, allowing it to wilt for about 1-2 minutes.
2
Immediately rinse the spinach with cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly, pressing out excess moisture, and transfer it to a medium serving bowl.
3
Repeat the process for the bean sprouts: pour boiling water over them in a colander, let them wilt for about 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water and drain well.
4
Add the drained bean sprouts to the bowl with the spinach.
5
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds until the sugar is dissolved.
6
Pour the dressing over the spinach and bean sprouts, then gently toss everything together until well combined.
7
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spinach and Bean Sprout Salad?
It is a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad featuring crisp bean sprouts, tender spinach, and a tangy soy-vinegar dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 38 calories.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing consists of sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
How should I prepare the spinach?
The spinach should be washed, trimmed, and wilted by pouring boiling water over it for 1-2 minutes.
How long do I blanch the bean sprouts?
Pour boiling water over the sprouts for about 30 seconds to wilt them.
Why do I rinse the vegetables with cold water after blanching?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process immediately and keeps the vegetables from becoming too soft.
How much fat is in this salad?
There is approximately 1.25g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has 5g of carbohydrates.
Does this salad contain protein?
Yes, it provides 1.5g of protein per serving.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar in the dressing, resulting in 0.75g of sugar per serving.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Each serving contains about 1g of dietary fiber.
How long should I chill the salad?
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Can I use different greens for this salad?
While spinach is the main component, you could try other leafy greens, though it may change the traditional flavor profile.
What type of cuisine does this salad represent?
It is an Asian-inspired salad featuring traditional Oriental flavors.
Are the sesame seeds raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to provide a deeper nutty flavor.
Is this a good side dish for dinner?
Yes, it is a perfect light side dish to accompany dinner or a light lunch.
How much soy sauce is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for the dressing.
What is the primary texture of the salad?
The salad features a combination of crisp bean sprouts and tender wilted spinach leaves.
Does this recipe have a high sodium content?
The exact sodium count is not specified, but the primary source of sodium is the 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick recipe that involves simple wilting and mixing steps.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to serve 8 people.
How much spinach is used in total?
The recipe requires 1 pound of fresh spinach.
How many bean sprouts are needed?
You will need 1/2 pound of washed bean sprouts.
What type of vinegar should I use?
While not specified, rice vinegar or white vinegar works best for this dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It contains soy sauce; use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you need the dish to be gluten-free.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is recommended so the flavors can meld during the refrigeration period.
How many unique ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: spinach, bean sprouts, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
What is the serving size for this salad?
The specific serving size is not defined, but the total recipe yields 4 equal portions.