Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal with this extraordinary Spinach Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette! Imagine a vibrant, crisp dish that combines the earthy richness of fresh spinach, the crunch of walnuts, and the creamy tang of feta cheese, all brought together by a mind-blowing tarragon vinaigrette that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just a salad; it's a culinary experience that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh spinach under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain the spinach well and gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, tarragon vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and emulsified. This will create a smooth vinaigrette dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to the vinaigrette to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference. Whisk again to incorporate the seasoning.
- In a large salad bowl, place the washed and dried spinach. Drizzle the tarragon vinaigrette over the spinach, using a spoon or a whisk to ensure even distribution of the dressing.
- Gently toss the spinach with the vinaigrette using salad tongs or your hands, being careful not to bruise the leaves. Make sure all the spinach is coated in the dressing.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the dressed spinach. The walnuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
- Finally, crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the feta will complement the spinach and vinaigrette beautifully.
- Serve the spinach salad immediately as a fresh and healthy side dish or light main course. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Always use the freshest spinach possible - look for bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
- For the most flavorful vinaigrette, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toast your walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of complexity.
- If you want to make the salad more substantial, consider adding grilled chicken or salmon on top.
- Prepare the vinaigrette separately and store in a sealed container - it can last up to a week in the refrigerator for quick, future salad preparations.
- For best results, dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with different types of feta - try goat's milk or sheep's milk feta for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 207kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
