Warm Spinach, Fig, and Prosciutto Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we bring you delightful and elegant dishes perfect for any occasion. Today’s recipe is a stunning Warm Spinach, Fig, and Prosciutto Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette. This recipe is ideal for a light lunch or a sophisticated dinner side. With a delightful mix of savory prosciutto, sweet figs, and a tangy honey balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and make this extraordinary dish!
Ingredients
- 12 cups fresh spinach 🌱
- 1/4 cup olive oil 🫒
- 3 shallots, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- 2 ounces prosciutto, sliced 🍖
- 2 tablespoons honey 🍯
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒
- 6 fresh figs, sliced 🍑
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 🧂
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 🌶️
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spinach:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning and rinsing the fresh spinach leaves. Place them in the refrigerator to stay crisp and fresh until you’re ready to assemble your salad. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a medium sauté pan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 45 seconds, allowing the shallots to become translucent and fragrant. -
Cook the Onions and Prosciutto:
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pan with the shallots and garlic. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional minute until the onions begin to soften. Next, add the prosciutto slices to the pan. Toss the mixture gently just until the prosciutto is warmed through, about 1-2 minutes. -
Add Honey and Simmer:
Drizzle the honey over the prosciutto and onion mixture. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the honey to blend with the other flavors. -
Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken stock and balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquids are reduced by about one-quarter, which should take approximately 5 minutes. -
Finish the Vinaigrette:
Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, stirring to combine. Add the sliced figs to the pan and season with kosher salt and white pepper to taste. Gently stir to incorporate all the flavors. -
Assemble the Salad:
Divide the chilled spinach leaves among the serving plates. Spoon the warm prosciutto and fig vinaigrette mixture over the spinach, ensuring each plate receives a generous portion. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately while the vinaigrette is still warm. This salad pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine or as a refreshing side dish to your favorite meal.
Tips for Success
- Freshness is Key: For the best results, use fresh spinach and ripe figs. Their vibrant flavors and textures are crucial to this dish.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a bit more honey. Conversely, if you like a tangier flavor, increase the balsamic vinegar slightly.
- Make Ahead: The vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before serving. Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Warm Spinach, Fig, and Prosciutto Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will elevate any dining experience. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe from Love With Recipes!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 267.6
- Fat: 18.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Cholesterol: 1.2mg
- Sodium: 111.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 23.6g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 16.9g
- Protein: 3.6g
Enjoy this delectable salad as a centerpiece for your next meal, and let the combination of flavors and textures delight your taste buds! 🍽️