Are you ready to revolutionize your salad experience with a mind-blowing plant-based creation that's not just healthy, but absolutely delicious? This Spinach Salad with Creamy Sunflower Seed Dressing is about to become your new obsession! Packed with vibrant flavors, nutrient-dense ingredients, and a creamy dressing that will make you forget all about traditional dairy-based alternatives, this recipe is a game-changer for vegans, health enthusiasts, and anyone looking to elevate their meal game in just 10 minutes flat!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Gently pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, creating uniform bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the salad.
- In a high-speed blender, combine sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a homogeneous dressing with a light, pourable consistency.
- Transfer the clean, dried spinach leaves to a large serving bowl, spreading them evenly to create a vibrant green base.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the spinach leaves, distributing them uniformly.
- Drizzle the creamy sunflower seed dressing over the salad, ensuring even coverage of the greens and tomatoes.
- Optional: Garnish with additional whole sunflower seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp texture of the spinach and the creamy, tangy dressing.
Tips
- Spinach Selection: Choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves with no wilting or yellowing. Organic baby spinach works best for a tender texture.
- Dressing Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add a little more water. If it's too thin, add more sunflower seeds or nutritional yeast.
- Blending Hack: For an ultra-smooth dressing, soak the sunflower seeds in warm water for 30 minutes before blending to create an even creamier texture.
- Tomato Tip: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes. If they're not sweet enough, a pinch of salt can enhance their natural sweetness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, toast the sunflower seeds lightly before using them in the dressing or as a garnish.
- Nutrition Boost: Feel free to add other raw vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers to increase the nutrient profile of your salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
