Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup Sola Stagionata cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the spinach leaves and place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the crumbled Sola Stagionata cheese, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby arugula or mixed greens can be substituted for spinach.
- Feta or goat cheese can be substituted for Sola Stagionata cheese.
- Pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts.
- Dried cherries or raisins can be substituted for dried cranberries.
- White or yellow onion can be substituted for red onion.
Variations:
- Add sliced pear or apple for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as blue cheese or Parmesan.
- Add avocado for a creamy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing and store it separately from the salad ingredients. Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving.
- Toast the walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
- Massaging the spinach leaves with a bit of olive oil and salt can help to tenderize them.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional walnuts or cranberries.
Garnishes:
- Additional walnuts or cranberries.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add a bit more honey to balance out the flavors.
- If the spinach leaves are tough, try massaging them with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding the other ingredients.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the spinach leaves thoroughly before using them in the salad.
Food history:
- Sola Stagionata is an Italian cheese that is aged for at least 12 months. It has a sharp, nutty flavor and crumbly texture.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the tartness of the balsamic vinegar balancing out the sweetness of the cranberries and honey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
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Region: Italian