Spinach, Fig, and Cherry Tomatoes Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
A Refreshing, Nutritious Salad Featuring Seasonal Ingredients and a Flavorful Vinaigrette Dressing
Looking for a light and vibrant salad that can be prepared in just a few minutes? This Spinach, Fig, and Cherry Tomatoes Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette is a perfect choice! Using fresh, seasonal ingredients like tender spinach, juicy figs, and ripe cherry tomatoes, this salad is both delicious and healthy. The creamy feta cheese adds a savory note, while the tangy, slightly sweet red wine vinaigrette brings everything together beautifully.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or need a refreshing side dish for your next gathering, this salad will undoubtedly impress. The combination of fresh vegetables and fruits, along with the richness of feta cheese, makes this dish a delightful way to introduce bold flavors to your table. Pair it with a simple pasta dish or a roasted vegetable pizza for a complete meal.
Recipe Overview
| Cuisine | Continental |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Serves | 2-4 people |
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 1 cup (torn) |
| Fresh Figs | 5 figs (cut into quarters) |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 10 tomatoes (cut in half) |
| Cucumber | 1 (peeled and sliced) |
| Feta Cheese | 50 grams (crumbled) |
For the Dressing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Wine Vinaigrette | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
Begin by washing and preparing all your fresh salad ingredients. Take a large mixing bowl and add the torn spinach leaves, fresh figs cut into quarters, cherry tomatoes sliced in half, and sliced cucumber. Give them a gentle toss to mix everything evenly. -
Make the Salad Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the red wine vinaigrette, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until the dressing emulsifies and the olive oil and vinaigrette are well combined. -
Toss the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. -
Finish and Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving for a cooler, more refreshing dish.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a fantastic appetizer on its own, or you can pair it with dishes like Penne Pasta in Spinach Basil Sauce or a Quick Roasted Vegetable Bread Pizza for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Its combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors will perfectly complement these dishes for a special weekend dinner or casual weeknight meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
Tips for Success
-
Fresh Figs: Fresh figs can vary in sweetness, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal preference. If figs are not in season, you can substitute them with dried figs, soaked in warm water to soften.
-
Dress the Salad Just Before Serving: To prevent the salad from wilting, only dress the salad just before serving. This ensures the spinach stays crisp and fresh.
-
Feta Cheese Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can experiment with other cheeses such as goat cheese or blue cheese, depending on your preference.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spinach, Fig, and Cherry Tomatoes Salad is an easy, nutritious dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The earthy spinach, sweet figs, and juicy cherry tomatoes create a perfect balance of flavors, enhanced by the tangy vinaigrette and creamy feta. It’s a versatile recipe, great for any occasion, and can be customized based on what ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or pairing it with your favorite pasta or pizza, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Enjoy this delightful salad as part of your next meal and experience the joy of fresh, seasonal ingredients brought together in the simplest yet most delicious way.
