Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Toma Alpigiana cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 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. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, Toma Alpigiana cheese, red onion, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 220
- Total fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby spinach can be substituted with mixed greens or arugula.
- Toma Alpigiana cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Variations:
- Add sliced strawberries or diced apples for a fruity twist.
- Use candied pecans instead of regular walnuts for added sweetness.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Tips and tricks:
- Toast the walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use a mandoline to thinly slice the red onion for a more delicate flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge 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 wooden bowl for a rustic feel.
- Arrange the salad on individual plates for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle some extra crumbled Toma Alpigiana cheese on top of the salad for added flavor.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve this salad alongside a crusty baguette or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add more honey to balance out the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly before using it in the salad.
Food history:
- Toma Alpigiana is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk in the Italian Alps.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a sweet and tangy flavor from the balsamic vinegar and honey, with a nutty crunch from the walnuts and a creamy texture from the Toma Alpigiana cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner.
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Region: Italian