Fruity-Nutty Spinach Salad: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and tender, this Fruity-Nutty Spinach Salad is an exhilarating combination of textures and tastes that can satisfy your cravings for a refreshing and hearty dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a light lunch or a fulfilling dinner, this salad promises to deliver a burst of flavor with every bite. You have the flexibility to use real bacon or opt for artificial bacon bits paired with a hint of Liquid Smoke for that smoky depth. The addition of pepper jelly in the dressing lends a rich pepper taste without any heat, making this salad a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2 (perfect for a light main dish)
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown to help you enjoy this salad while being mindful of your dietary needs:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 870 |
| Total Fat | 81.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 196.7 mg |
| Sodium | 293.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 16.4 g |
| Protein | 12.7 g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to prepare this delectable salad:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 – 3 ½ cups | Raw spinach leaves |
| 3 slices | Bacon (or artificial bacon bits) |
| ⅓ cup | Bacon bits |
| 3 | Fresh mushrooms, sliced |
| 2 | Dried cranberries |
| 2 | Dried cherries |
| 1 – 2 | Hard-boiled eggs, chopped |
| ¼ cup | Sunflower seeds |
| 1 cup | Pecans, chopped |
| 2 tbsp | Bacon drippings (or olive oil) |
| 1 – 2 tsp | Liquid smoke |
| 1/4 cup | Distilled white vinegar |
| 2 tbsp | Ketchup |
Instructions
To create your Fruity-Nutty Spinach Salad, follow these steps to ensure every ingredient shines in this harmonious blend:
-
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, carefully combine the fresh raw spinach leaves, sliced fresh mushrooms, dried cranberries, dried cherries, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, and chopped pecans. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure an even distribution.
-
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, briskly whisk together the bacon drippings (or olive oil), Liquid Smoke, distilled white vinegar, and ketchup until well combined. If you desire a lighter dressing, you can add a little more oil at this stage to achieve your preferred consistency. Taste the dressing and adjust the ingredients according to your flavor preferences.
-
Combine Dressing with Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, thoroughly combine the dressing with the salad ingredients, ensuring everything is well-coated. Use as much dressing as you like, depending on how rich you want the flavor to be.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well mixed, your Fruity-Nutty Spinach Salad is ready to be served! Plate it up and enjoy a vibrant meal that’s sure to impress.
This Fruity-Nutty Spinach Salad is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes and palate, making it a wonderful addition to your meal repertoire. The combination of fruits and nuts with the earthy spinach creates a balanced dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer details of a salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite on your table. Enjoy!
