Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 ounces Caprino della Val Brevenna cheese, crumbled
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top the salad with the crumbled Caprino della Val Brevenna cheese.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby spinach leaves can be substituted with mixed greens or arugula.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped dates.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Dijon mustard can be substituted with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard.
- Caprino della Val Brevenna cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or goat cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced apples or pears for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Substitute the spinach with kale for a heartier salad.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Toast the walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
- Massage the spinach leaves with the dressing to soften them and allow the flavors to meld.
- Crumble the cheese with a fork or your hands for a rustic look.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- None
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional walnuts or dried cranberries.
Garnishes:
- Additional walnuts or dried cranberries.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve this salad as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add more honey to balance the flavors.
- If the salad is too dry, add more dressing.
Food safety advice:
- Wash all produce before using.
- Store any leftover salad in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
- Caprino della Val Brevenna is a soft goat cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad is sweet and tangy, with a nutty crunch from the walnuts and a creamy texture from the cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish to a larger meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian