Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup Fior di Campo cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the baby spinach leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, crumbled Fior di Campo cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
6. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the salad.
7. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby spinach leaves can be substituted with arugula or mixed greens.
- Fior di Campo cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with sliced grape tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with chopped walnuts or almonds.
Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
- Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Substitute the balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to dry the spinach leaves thoroughly to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
- Toasting the pine nuts adds extra flavor and crunch to the salad.
- Use a good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Storage instructions:
- This salad is best served immediately and should not be stored.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional crumbled cheese or pine nuts.
Garnishes:
- Additional crumbled cheese or pine nuts.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
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:
- Make sure to wash all produce thoroughly before using.
- Store any leftover ingredients separately and do not mix with the dressed salad.
Food history:
- N/A
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a balance of sweet and tangy flavors from the balsamic vinegar and honey, with a nutty crunch from the pine nuts.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish to a main course.
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