Imagine a salad so delectable that it transports you straight to a charming Parisian bistro, where every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. The Les Halles Spinach Salad is not just another ordinary salad—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the earthy richness of fresh spinach, the crunch of toasted walnuts, the tangy punch of blue cheese, and a luxurious balsamic vinaigrette that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Get ready to elevate your salad experience and impress everyone at your table with this simple yet sophisticated French-inspired dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and drying them completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Thinly slice the red onion into delicate half-moons using a sharp knife, ensuring uniform and thin cuts.
- In a large salad bowl, gently place the clean, dry spinach leaves as the base of the salad.
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions evenly over the spinach leaves.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts across the salad to add a warm, nutty crunch.
- Crumble the blue cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly to ensure each bite has a tangy flavor.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, using a light hand to coat the ingredients without overwhelming them.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Gently toss the salad just before serving to mix the ingredients and distribute the dressing.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp spinach and the warm, toasted walnuts.
Tips
- Spinach Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant spinach leaves with no wilting or discoloration for the best taste and texture.
- Toasting Walnuts: Watch your walnuts carefully while toasting—they can burn quickly. Remove from heat when they're golden and fragrant.
- Cheese Temperature: Let the blue cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before crumbling to enhance its flavor and make it easier to break apart.
- Dressing Technique: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain the crisp texture of the spinach and the warmth of the toasted walnuts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
