Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup of sliced spotted golden thistle stems
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the baby spinach leaves and place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Slice the spotted golden thistle stems thinly and add them to the salad bowl.
3. Add the chopped walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries to the salad bowl.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby spinach leaves can be substituted with any other leafy greens.
- Spotted golden thistle stems can be substituted with artichoke hearts.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped apricots.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Use a different type of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them and dress the salad right before serving.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the thistle stems thinly and evenly.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- None
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra walnuts or dried cranberries.
Garnishes:
- Extra walnuts or dried cranberries.
Pairings:
- Serve with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables or a crusty bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too dry, add more dressing.
- If the salad is too salty, reduce the amount of feta cheese or omit the salt in the dressing.
Food safety advice:
- Wash all the vegetables and fruits thoroughly before using them.
- Store the salad in the fridge at a safe temperature (below 40°F).
Food history:
- Spotted golden thistle is a type of thistle native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Flavor profiles:
- The salad has a combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, with a crunchy texture from the walnuts and thistle stems.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or a side dish for a dinner party.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Taste: Tangy, Herby, Citrusy, Refreshing, Nutty