Annie’s Scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing
Description
This delightful Maple Pecan Spinach Salad is a perfect harmony of flavors, showcasing fresh ingredients that blend beautifully to create an autumnal taste experience that is both heavenly and nutritious. The toasted pecans add a wonderful nuttiness, while the jicama provides a refreshing crunch. The maple dressing, inspired by a recipe from “What’s Cooking America,” enhances the overall experience with its mellow sweetness. Perfect for a quick meal, this salad can be varied to suit your personal taste, ensuring a fresh and satisfying dish every time.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Red onions |
| 1 | Sweet onion |
| 1 | Jicama |
| 1 | Carrot |
| ¾ | Cup cherry tomatoes |
| 1 | Cup pecans |
| 1 | Cup pure maple syrup |
| ¾ | Teaspoon salt |
| 1 | Tablespoon rice vinegar |
| 1 | Cup canola oil |
| ½ | Tablespoon ground mustard |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 950.1 |
| Total Fat | 75.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 678.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 70.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g |
| Sugars | 44.8 g |
| Protein | 7.5 g |
Instructions
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For the Salad: In a large bowl, combine all the vegetable ingredients—red onions, sweet onion, jicama, carrot, and cherry tomatoes—tossing them gently to ensure an even distribution.
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-
For the Maple Dressing: In a blender, food processor, or using a handheld immersion blender, combine the maple syrup, salt, rice vinegar, canola oil, and ground mustard. Blend for approximately one minute or until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This dressing yields about 2 cups, so feel free to use it generously or save the extra for future salads.
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To Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the whole pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, stirring a couple of times during the toasting process to ensure even browning. Once done, allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
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To Assemble: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on salad plates. Top each serving with a desired amount of toasted pecans and drizzle with the maple dressing to taste.
Tips
- Make sure to toast the pecans to enhance their flavor.
- Soak the jicama matchsticks in ice water for a bit to intensify their crunchiness and sweetness.
- Use pre-washed and packaged baby spinach to save time on preparation.
Enjoy this scrumptious Maple Pecan Spinach Salad, a wonderful addition to any meal or as a refreshing stand-alone dish!
