Spinach, White-Bean and Red-Onion Salad Recipe

This spinach, white-bean and red-onion salad recipe will bring a delicious mix of textures and flavors to your table. Combining the slightly bitter taste of spinach, the comforting richness of white beans, and the sweet kick of red onions, it's not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse that's high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Photos of Spinach, White-Bean and Red-Onion Salad Recipe

The cannellini beans used in this recipe can be found in most supermarkets, usually in both dried and canned forms. They are a variety of white bean that's popular in Italian cuisine, known for their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. If you're unable to find them, you can easily substitute with other types of white beans like navy beans or great northern beans.

Ingredients for Spinach, White-Bean, and Red-Onion Salad

Country bread or sourdough bread: This forms the base of the dish, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft beans and wilts the spinach.

Bacon: It adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients. It also provides the fat for sautéing the onions and dressing the salad.

Red onions: They bring a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the beans and bacon.

Wine vinegar: It brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness with its acidity.

Cannellini beans: They contribute a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, as well as plenty of protein and fiber.

Salt: It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Fresh ground black pepper: It adds a mild heat and complexity to the salad.

Spinach: It's the main green in this salad, bringing a slightly bitter taste as well as a host of nutrients.

Olive oil: This is used to dress the salad, adding a rich, fruity note.

One reader, Devland Redd says:

This spinach, white-bean, and red-onion salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The beans and spinach create a hearty base, while the red onion adds a delightful crunch. The dressing ties everything together perfectly. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

Devland Redd

Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad

How to toast bread in the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast until lightly browned, turning once, for about 5 minutes.

How to cook bacon until crisp: In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until it becomes crisp. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels.

How to cook onions in bacon fat: After removing the bacon, add the red onions to the bacon fat and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

How to mix bean salad: In a large frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar, the cannellini beans, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix gently and remove from the heat.

How to prepare spinach salad: Put the spinach in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, the olive oil, and the bacon to the bowl. Toss the ingredients together.

How to serve the salad: Stir half of the bean mixture into the spinach and put the salad on plates. Top each slice of toasted bread with the remaining bean mixture and serve with the salad.

How to pair wine with the salad: The complex combination of flavors and textures in this salad is best accompanied by a simple, crisp, and fruity red wine for contrast. Beaujolais would be our first choice, but Valpolicella, Bardolino, or even a Provençal rosé will work as well.

How To Make Spinach, White-Bean and Red-Onion Salad

Serve up a belly-filling and healthy lunch meal with this easy spinach, bean, and onion salad! Whip up crisp-tender serving in just 20 minutes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4country bread slices,or sourdough bread, ¾-inch thick
¼lbbacon,sliced
2red onions
3tbspwine vinegar
4cupscannellini beans,(two 19 oz cans), canned, drained and rinsed
1¼tspsalt
1tspfresh ground black pepper
4lbspinach
2tbspolive oil

Instructions

Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Put the bread on a baking sheet and toast, for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned, turning once.
In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Add the onions to the bacon fat and cook over moderate heat, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
Add 2 tablespoons of the vinegar, the beans, ¾ teaspoon of the salt and ½ teaspoon of the pepper. Mix gently and remove from the heat
Put the spinach in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of vinegar and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, the oil, and the bacon to the bowl and toss.
Stir half of the bean mixture into the spinach and put the salad on plates. Top each slice of toasted bread with the remaining bean mixture.
Serve with the salad, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1061.25kcal
Fat: 22.51g
Saturated Fat: 5.69g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.48g
Carbohydrates: 159.02g
Fiber: 43.09g
Sugar: 10.82g
Protein: 67.61g
Cholesterol: 18.71mg
Sodium: 1456.04mg
Calcium: 992.62mg
Potassium: 6369.87mg
Iron: 34.81mg
Vitamin A: 2130.66µg
Vitamin C: 132.20mg

Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad

When cooking the bacon, it's important to start with a cold pan. Adding bacon to a hot pan can cause it to cook unevenly, with the edges becoming crispy while the middle remains undercooked. Instead, lay the bacon in a cold pan and then turn on the heat. This allows the fat to slowly render out, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy bacon. Additionally, when adding the vinegar to the onions and beans, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. This will incorporate any flavorful bits stuck to the pan into your dish, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Spinach and White Bean Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and store ingredients like onions, bacon, and bread the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Multi-task: While toasting the bread, you can also start cooking the bacon to save time and be more efficient in the kitchen.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned cannellini beans instead of cooking them from scratch to cut down on preparation time.

Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize the cleanup time after the meal.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach, White-Bean and Red-Onion Salad Recipe

Spinach - Substitute with Kale: Kale is a sturdy leafy green that can provide a similar texture and earthy flavor to spinach in salads.
White beans - Substitute with Chickpeas: Chickpeas have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a great alternative to white beans in salads.
Red onion - Substitute with Shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions and can provide a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the salad.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Spinach Salad

Elevate the salad with a stunning presentation: Start by arranging the spinach in a delicate, airy mound at the center of the plate. Then, carefully spoon the white-bean and red-onion mixture around the spinach, creating a visually appealing contrast of colors and textures.
Incorporate height and dimension: Consider using a ring mold to create a compact tower of the white-bean and red-onion mixture on the plate. Lean the toasted bread slices against the tower, adding a vertical element to the presentation.
Artful drizzling of olive oil: Use a steady hand to drizzle a thin, elegant stream of olive oil over the salad, adding a touch of sophistication and flavor enhancement.
Garnish with crispy bacon: Crumble the crispy bacon and delicately sprinkle it over the salad, adding a savory and textural element to the dish.
Balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring a harmonious balance and symmetrical appeal that showcases the artistry of the dish.
Attention to detail: Take the time to wipe any smudges or spills from the plate, ensuring a pristine and professional presentation that reflects the high standards of a Michelin-starred establishment.
Use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the salad to take center stage while creating a visually striking and refined presentation.
Final touch with microgreens: Consider adding a sprinkle of delicate microgreens to the salad, providing a pop of color and a subtle hint of freshness that elevates the overall visual appeal.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad

Oven: Used for baking, roasting, and toasting.
Baking sheet: Used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Frying pan: Used for cooking bacon and onions over moderate heat.
Slotted spoon: Used for removing bacon from the pan and draining on paper towels.
Large glass or stainless-steel bowl: Used for tossing the salad ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad

The spinach and red onion salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To keep the spinach from wilting, store it separately from the white beans and red onion mixture.
When ready to serve, toss the spinach with the white beans and red onion mixture, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
If you want to make the salad ahead of time, you can prepare the white beans and red onion mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
The toasted bread is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Freezing the salad is not recommended, as the spinach and red onion will become mushy and lose their texture when thawed.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach Salad

To reheat leftover spinach, white bean and red onion salad, start by placing the salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the spinach from drying out.
Microwave the salad on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the spinach to become soggy and the beans to lose their texture.
Alternatively, you can reheat the salad in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet to prevent sticking and help steam the spinach. Stir the salad occasionally until it is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
If the salad seems dry after reheating, you can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help revive the flavors and add moisture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the bacon separately in a skillet or in the oven until it is crisp again. Crumble the bacon over the top of the reheated salad for added crunch and flavor.
If you have leftover toasted bread, you can reheat it in the oven or toaster until it is crisp again. Serve the warm bread alongside the reheated salad for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Fascinating Facts About Spinach, White Beans, and Red Onions

The spinach, white-bean and red-onion salad recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy flavors of beans and spinach with the tangy crunch of red onions. This salad is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad makes it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you're a fan of salads or looking for a healthy and delicious dish, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy!

Is Making Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This spinach, white-bean and red-onion salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as spinach, cannellini beans, and red onions, are affordable and readily available. The addition of bacon provides a flavorful touch without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.

Is This Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad Healthy?

This spinach, white bean, and red onion salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side:

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cannellini beans provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber
Onions offer prebiotics and various health-promoting compounds

However, there are some less healthy aspects:

Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess
The recipe calls for a significant amount of added salt, which may be too much for those watching their sodium intake
Depending on the type of bread used, it may be high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber

To make this recipe healthier, consider these adjustments:

Swap the bacon for a leaner protein source like grilled chicken or turkey bacon
Reduce the added salt by half or more, and rely on herbs, spices, and lemon juice for flavor instead
Choose whole grain bread for added fiber and nutrients, or omit the bread altogether for a lower carb option
Increase the proportion of spinach to boost the overall nutrient content of the dish
Use a heart-healthy oil like extra virgin olive oil in place of the bacon fat for sautéing the onions

By making these simple changes, you can transform this salad into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still delivers on taste and satisfaction. The key is to focus on incorporating more whole, minimally processed ingredients while reducing the amount of unhealthy fats and added sodium. With a few strategic tweaks, this spinach, white bean, and red onion salad can become a delicious and nourishing addition to your healthy eating routine.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad Recipe

This recipe for spinach, white bean, and red onion salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of bacon adds a savory crunch, while the red onions and cannellini beans provide a satisfying depth of flavor. The use of spinach as the base offers a healthy and vibrant element to the dish. The wine recommendation is thoughtful and complements the dish perfectly. Overall, this recipe is a well-balanced and satisfying salad that would make a delightful addition to any meal.

Enhance Your Spinach, White-Bean and Red-Onion Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Try serving some garlic parmesan roasted asparagus to complement the flavors of the spinach, white-bean, and red-onion salad. The crispy and savory asparagus will add a delightful contrast to the salad.

Honey Glazed Carrots: For a touch of sweetness, consider pairing the salad with some honey glazed carrots. The tender and caramelized carrots will provide a nice balance to the savory and tangy flavors of the main dish.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Enhance the meal with some balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts. The slightly tangy and caramelized Brussels sprouts will add depth and complexity to the overall dining experience.

Delicious Alternatives to Spinach, White Bean and Red Onion Salad

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy texture of the risotto make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs creates a flavorful marinade for the juicy grilled chicken. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and healthy dessert that is perfect for a light and satisfying treat. The sweet and tropical flavors of the mango and coconut pair perfectly with the creamy texture of the chia pudding. Top with fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Spinach Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Indulge in the classic Italian flavors of bruschetta, featuring toasted bread topped with a vibrant mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. A refreshing and satisfying start to any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a savory meal. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will leave you wanting more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a creamy and tangy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The vibrant red strawberries add a pop of color and freshness to every bite.

Why trust this Spinach, White-Bean and Red-Onion Salad Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast. The use of spinach provides a healthy and nutritious base, while the addition of cannellini beans offers a satisfying protein source. The incorporation of bacon adds a savory and smoky element, complemented by the sweetness of red onions. The dressing, featuring olive oil and wine vinegar, ties everything together beautifully. With such a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience for all food lovers.

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FAQ:

What type of bread can I use for this recipe?

You can use country bread or sourdough bread for this recipe. Both options work well to add a delicious texture and flavor to the salad.

Can I make any substitutions for the bacon in this recipe?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or coconut bacon for a similar smoky flavor.

Is there a suitable alternative to cannellini beans?

Yes, if you can't find cannellini beans, you can use navy beans or great northern beans as a substitute.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad in advance and assemble them just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the dish.

What wine would pair well with this salad?

The complex combination of flavors and textures in this salad is best accompanied by a simple, crisp, and fruity red wine for contrast. Beaujolais, Valpolicella, Bardolino, or even a Provençal rosé would work well with this dish.