Cindy’s Spinach Salad
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Under 60 minutes
Servings: 12
Description
Cindy’s Spinach Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that has become a crowd favorite. Originating from my good friend Cindy, this salad combines a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing that brings it all together. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to prepare, but its vibrant flavors always leave a lasting impression. Perfect for any gathering or special occasion, this salad is sure to win over guests with its balance of textures and flavors. To ensure everything remains crisp and fresh, I recommend assembling the salad just before serving, and to make it even easier, the dressing, bacon, oranges, and avocados can be kept separate until you’re ready to toss it all together.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 cup |
| Cider vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Freshly ground pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry mustard | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh spinach leaves | 6 cups |
| Fresh mushrooms, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked bacon, crumbled | 3 strips |
| Mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented | 24 pieces |
| Avocados, sliced | 2 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 40.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 25.7 mg |
| Sodium | 582.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g |
| Sugars | 15.5 g |
| Protein | 9.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, cider vinegar, sugar, freshly ground pepper, finely chopped onion, paprika, salt, and dry mustard. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Once ready, refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced mushrooms, crumbled cooked bacon, mandarin orange segments, and sliced avocados. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly without bruising the delicate spinach leaves. -
Prepare for Serving:
About 15 minutes before serving, remove the dressing from the fridge so it can come to room temperature. This will ensure it mixes evenly with the salad and helps to enhance the flavors. -
Toss and Serve:
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Cindy’s Spinach Salad.
This easy-to-make, yet flavorful spinach salad is the perfect side dish for any meal, and it’s versatile enough to be served at picnics, parties, or family dinners. The crisp spinach, savory bacon, sweet mandarin oranges, and creamy avocado come together to create a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, while the tangy dressing adds an irresistible finish to the dish.
This recipe can easily be adapted to your preferences by swapping out the ingredients as needed. Add some nuts for crunch, or experiment with different fruits such as pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for a twist. Cindy’s Spinach Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that will surely become a go-to recipe for your next gathering.
