Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled Toma della Valle Stura cheese
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and walnuts.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled Toma della Valle Stura cheese over the top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 2-4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baby spinach can be used instead of regular spinach.
- Feta cheese can be used instead of Toma della Valle Stura cheese.
- Almonds or pecans can be used instead of walnuts.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
- Substitute arugula for the spinach for a peppery flavor.
- Use sliced pears instead of cherry tomatoes for a sweet twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin slices of Toma della Valle Stura cheese for a more delicate presentation.
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, shallow bowl to show off the colorful ingredients.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette would be a great accompaniment to this salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too tart, add a little more honey to balance it out.
- If the salad is too dry, add a little more olive oil to the dressing.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the spinach leaves thoroughly before using them in the salad.
Food history:
- Toma della Valle Stura is a semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Piedmont region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a sweet and tangy dressing that pairs well with the nutty flavor of the Toma della Valle Stura cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian