🥗 Baby Spinach Salad With Peaches and Hazelnut Vinaigrette 🍑🌰
What is it?
Baby Spinach Salad With Peaches and Hazelnut Vinaigrette is a delicious and refreshing salad that combines the earthy flavors of baby spinach with the sweet juiciness of peaches, all drizzled in a luscious hazelnut vinaigrette. This salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for a light, summery meal or as a side dish for various occasions.
History:
The history of this particular salad is not well-documented, but it draws inspiration from the classic combination of fruits and greens in salads, which has been popular for centuries. Spinach salads have been enjoyed in various forms throughout history, and the addition of peaches and hazelnut vinaigrette brings a modern twist to this timeless concept.
Components:
- Baby Spinach Leaves: Fresh and tender baby spinach leaves serve as the salad’s base, providing a mild, slightly peppery flavor and a nutritious foundation.
- Peaches: Ripe and juicy peaches are a sweet and fruity addition to the salad, offering a burst of natural sweetness.
- Hazelnut Vinaigrette: The vinaigrette is a key component, blending the rich, nutty taste of hazelnuts with tangy vinegar and other seasonings for a flavorful dressing.
- Optional Additions: You can customize your salad with additional ingredients like goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, red onions, or grilled chicken for added flavor and protein.
Steps to Prepare:
- Wash and Dry the Spinach: Rinse the baby spinach leaves thoroughly, and use a salad spinner or paper towels to ensure they are dry.
- Slice and Pit the Peaches: Slice the peaches into thin wedges after removing the pits. You can peel them if you prefer.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a bowl, combine finely chopped or ground hazelnuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves and peach slices.
- Drizzle with Vinaigrette: Pour the hazelnut vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, depending on your taste.
- Toss Gently: Use salad tongs or your clean hands to gently toss the salad, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Optional Additions: If desired, add any optional ingredients like goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, red onions, or grilled chicken.
- Serve: Plate the salad on individual serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with extra hazelnuts if desired.
Time Needed:
The preparation time for this salad typically takes about 15-20 minutes. This includes the time needed to wash and chop the ingredients, prepare the vinaigrette, and assemble the salad. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a light and flavorful meal. Enjoy your Baby Spinach Salad With Peaches and Hazelnut Vinaigrette! 🥗🍑🌰
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Baby Spinach Salad With Peaches and Hazelnut Vinaigrette:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 4-6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4-6 grams
- Sugars: 12-15 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 0-10 mg (depending on optional additions)
- Sodium: 150-250 mg
- Potassium: 400-500 mg
- Vitamin A: 60-80% of daily value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% of DV
- Calcium: 10-15% of DV
- Iron: 15-20% of DV
Health Information:
- Low in Calories: This salad is relatively low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: It’s a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, all of which are essential for maintaining overall health.
- High in Fiber: The salad provides a decent amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and can help keep you feeling full.
- Heart-Healthy: The hazelnut vinaigrette, when made with heart-healthy fats like olive oil, can contribute to a diet that supports cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidants: Peaches are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Customizable: You can customize the salad with additional ingredients like grilled chicken for added protein, or nuts for extra healthy fats and protein.
Please note that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the portion size, the amount of vinaigrette used, and any additional ingredients you include. Always be mindful of portion sizes and any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.
