The baby spinach salad in balsamic vinaigrette is a celebration of freshness, color and texture. This simple salad is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and crisp flavor profiles, enhanced with the gentle warmth of spices. Its charm lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or even as a light lunch on its own.
Most of the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available in your kitchen or at any local supermarket. However, the baby spinach might require a trip to a well-stocked supermarket or a specialty store. It's a smaller, more tender variety of spinach that works excellently in salads. Also, the naval oranges used here are seedless and known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They bring a delicious burst of freshness to the salad.
Ingredients for the Baby Spinach Salad in Balsamic Vinaigrette
Extra virgin olive oil: This is used to create the base for the vinaigrette. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: It's a dark, concentrated, and intensely flavored vinegar made from grape must. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the vinaigrette.
Ground cinnamon: This warm and sweet spice adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the vinaigrette.
Ground nutmeg: This subtly sweet and nutty spice complements the cinnamon and enhances the overall flavor profile of the vinaigrette.
Salt: It helps to balance the flavors in the vinaigrette.
Red onion: It adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the salad.
Naval oranges: These oranges are known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor. They add a fresh and juicy element to the salad.
Baby spinach: It adds a fresh and slightly bitter undertone to the salad. Its tender leaves work excellently in salads.
One reader, Jecho Kenney says:
This baby spinach salad in balsamic vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The combination of caramelized onions, marinated oranges, and the vinaigrette is simply divine. It's a refreshing and flavorful salad that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Making a Delicious Baby Spinach Salad
How to caramelize onions: To caramelize onions, slice them into thin rounds and cook them in a pan over low heat with a bit of oil or butter. Stir occasionally until the onions turn a deep golden brown color and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
How to marinate oranges: To marinate oranges, peel and slice them, then place them in a dish and pour the vinaigrette over them. Allow the oranges to sit in the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavor.
How to assemble the salad: To assemble the salad, arrange the baby spinach on a platter or individual plates, then scatter the caramelized onions over the spinach. Arrange the marinated oranges on top and drizzle the vinaigrette from the soaked oranges over the salad or serve it on the side.
How To Make Baby Spinach Salad in Balsamic Vinagrette
This baby spinach salad has bites of zesty naval oranges and sweet caramelized onions, tossed in a tangy balsamic, for a light and healthy meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupextra virgin olive oil
- ¼cupbalsamic vinegar
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ⅛tspsalt
- 1large red onion,cut into ⅛-inch thick rounds
- 4naval oranges
- 7ozbaby spinach,or watercress, or arugula
Instructions
-
Set the oven rack 5 to 6 inches from top and preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
-
Make the vinaigrette by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a small bowl.
-
Dip the onions into the vinaigrette, being careful to keep rounds intact, and lay in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
-
Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, until soft and caramelized. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to assemble salad.
-
Peel the oranges with a sharp knife, carefully removing all of the white membrane. Slice into rounds about ¼-inch thick, remove any seeds, and place in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Pour the vinaigrette over top, making sure the oranges are well coated on both sides.
-
Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.
To Assemble:
-
Place the spinach on large platter or individual plates. Scatter caramelized onions over spinach, and then place marinated oranges on top.
-
Quickly whisk vinaigrette from soaked oranges, then drizzle over top or serve on the side.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 297.15kcal
- Fat: 27.25g
- Saturated Fat: 3.78g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.91g
- Carbohydrates: 13.49g
- Fiber: 2.97g
- Sugar: 9.89g
- Protein: 1.71g
- Sodium: 73.89mg
- Calcium: 70.68mg
- Potassium: 330.63mg
- Iron: 1.12mg
- Vitamin A: 142.64µg
- Vitamin C: 54.45mg
Mastering the Art of Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
When caramelizing the red onions, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they broil. The sugars in the onions can burn quickly, so it's best to check them frequently. Also, when marinating the oranges in the balsamic vinaigrette, ensure they are well coated on both sides. This allows the oranges to fully absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and marinate the onions and oranges the night before to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-cut spinach: Purchase pre-washed and pre-cut baby spinach to eliminate the need for washing and chopping.
Multi-task: While the onions are broiling, marinate the oranges to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife will make peeling and slicing the oranges a breeze, saving time and effort.
Streamline the dressing: Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week for quick and easy use.
Substitute Ingredients For Baby Spinach Salad in Balsamic Vinagrette Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in salad dressings.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to balsamic vinegar, making it a good alternative for the vinaigrette.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice offers a warm and slightly sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon, making it a suitable replacement in the vinaigrette.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground cloves: Ground cloves can provide a warm and aromatic flavor similar to nutmeg, adding depth to the vinaigrette.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the vinaigrette.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a mild and slightly sweet flavor similar to red onions, making them a suitable replacement in the salad.
naval oranges - Substitute with clementines: Clementines have a similar sweet and tangy flavor to naval oranges, making them a good alternative for the salad.
baby spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula provides a peppery and slightly bitter flavor, offering a different but complementary taste and texture to the salad.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Spinach Salad
Elevate the salad greens: Gently toss the baby spinach with the vinaigrette to ensure each leaf is coated evenly, creating a glossy and vibrant base for the dish.
Artfully arrange the caramelized onions: Place the beautifully caramelized red onions on the spinach in an eye-catching pattern, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Create a citrus showcase: Arrange the marinated naval oranges in an elegant and visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spaced to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Drizzle the vinaigrette with precision: Using a steady hand, delicately drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring it is evenly distributed to enhance the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Spinach Salad
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting in the oven.
Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering dishes, lining pans, and wrapping food for cooking.
Serrated knife: A knife with a saw-like edge, ideal for slicing through foods with a hard exterior and soft interior, such as bread and tomatoes.
9x13-inch baking dish: A rectangular baking dish typically used for casseroles, lasagnas, and other baked dishes.
Broiler: An oven compartment or separate appliance for broiling or grilling food.
Sharp knife: A knife with a finely honed edge, essential for precise and safe cutting.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Fascinating Facts About Baby Spinach
The recipe for baby spinach salad in balsamic vinaigrette is a great source of vitamin C, thanks to the inclusion of oranges.
Is Making Spinach Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This baby spinach salad in balsamic vinaigrette recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the dish offers a healthy and flavorful option. The use of spinach, oranges, and olive oil provides essential nutrients and a burst of flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable and nutritious choice. Overall, I rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, health benefits, and affordability.
Is This Spinach Salad Recipe Healthy?
This baby spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, the salad incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients like baby spinach, which is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. The naval oranges provide a good source of vitamin C and fiber. The red onion adds flavor and contains antioxidants like quercetin. However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of extra virgin olive oil, which, while healthy in moderation, can contribute to a high calorie count when used in excess. The balsamic vinegar adds depth to the dressing but also contains sugar.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of extra virgin olive oil used in the vinaigrette to lower the overall calorie count
- Replace some of the olive oil with a lighter option, such as lemon juice or orange juice, to maintain flavor while cutting down on fat
- Add more nutrient-dense ingredients to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers, to increase the vitamin and mineral content
- Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Experiment with using a sugar-free or reduced-sugar balsamic vinegar to minimize added sugars in the dressing
Editor's Take on This Balsamic Vinaigrette Spinach Salad
The combination of caramelized onions, marinated oranges, and baby spinach in balsamic vinaigrette creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the oranges complements the savory caramelized onions, while the balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy and aromatic touch. The use of cinnamon and nutmeg in the vinaigrette adds a warm and comforting element to the dish. Overall, this baby spinach salad in balsamic vinaigrette is a refreshing and sophisticated dish that showcases the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients.
Enhance Your Baby Spinach Salad in Balsamic Vinagrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Spinach Salad
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With Baby Spinach Salad
Why trust this Baby Spinach Salad in Balsamic Vinagrette Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring fresh baby spinach and juicy naval oranges marinated in a fragrant balsamic vinaigrette. The caramelized red onions add a rich, savory note, while the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the dish with depth. The careful attention to detail, from the broiling of the onions to the marinating of the oranges, ensures a harmonious blend of tastes. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful preparation to deliver a memorable and satisfying salad experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
