Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans 🥗🍑

Overview:

Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of spinach leaves with the sweetness of nectarines and the crunchiness of spicy pecans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe, adapted from Cooking Light magazine, offers a quick and easy way to prepare a refreshing salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 59.9 per serving
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 270.8mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1.4g
Sugar: 5.5g
Protein: 1.4g

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon pecan halves
1/3 cup shallots, minced
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 nectarines, pitted and sliced
3 slices prosciutto, cooked until crisp and finely chopped
1 bunch fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and dried

Instructions:

Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the pecans: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, salt, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg. Rinse the pecan halves with cold water and drain them without allowing them to dry completely. Add the pecans to the sugar mixture and toss well to coat them evenly. Arrange the coated pecans on a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even baking. Once baked, coarsely chop the pecans and set them aside.
Make the vinaigrette: In another small bowl, combine the minced shallots, sugar, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the ingredients together with a whisk until they are well blended to create the vinaigrette.
Cook the prosciutto: Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add the slices of prosciutto and sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they become crisp. Once crisp, finely chop the prosciutto and set it aside.
Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced nectarines, and prepared vinaigrette. Toss the ingredients gently to coat them evenly with the dressing.
Final touches: Sprinkle the chopped spicy pecans and prosciutto over the salad just before serving, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serve and enjoy: Your Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans is now ready to be served! Enjoy this delicious and nutritious salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a light meal on its own.

Tips and Substitutions:

Substitute nuts: If you don’t have pecans on hand, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Variety of greens: Feel free to use whatever greens you prefer in this salad. Spring mix or arugula would also work well.
Alternative protein: If you’re not a fan of prosciutto, you can substitute it with cooked bacon or ham for a different taste.
Make it vegan: To make this salad vegan-friendly, omit the prosciutto or replace it with vegan bacon or tempeh bacon.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can increase the amount of sugar in the vinaigrette to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon for a refreshing beverage option.

Conclusion:

This Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With its quick and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Try this recipe today and discover a new favorite salad that’s both delicious and nutritious!