Vegan Spinach Salad Recipe | Healthy and Delicious!
As a vegan chef, I believe that eating nutritious food shouldn’t be boring or tasteless. On the contrary, every meal can be delightful when it is prepared with fresh and healthy ingredients. Today, I would like to share with you one of my favorite salad recipes that is not only filling and high in protein but also extremely delicious – Easy Vegan Spinach Salad Recipe.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and simple lunch idea or a light dinner option. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be tailored to your personal taste by adding your favorite toppings or dressing.
I chose spinach as the base of this salad because it’s packed with essential nutrients such as iron and vitamins A and C, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, it’s easy to find and affordable, which makes this salad recipe accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re a devoted vegan, a beginner on your plant-based journey, or just looking to incorporate more greens into your meals, this recipe will not disappoint. So grab a mixing bowl and let’s get started with this sublime vegan spinach salad recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan spinach salad will knock your socks off with its combination of flavors and textures. I guarantee that even committed carnivores will be impressed by this dish. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
First, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and herbs, including juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and tender baby spinach leaves. This salad has everything you need to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals in one delicious and satisfying dish.
Second, the dressing makes this salad unforgettable. The mix of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup gives it a surprising and crave-worthy combination of tangy sweetness that complements the fresh veggies perfectly.
Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add any extra ingredients you like to suit your taste preferences or any items you have on hand in your fridge. Try mixing in some sliced bell peppers, cubed avocado or toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and variety.
Finally, this vegan spinach salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a vegan side dish to bring to your next potluck or just want a quick and easy high protein meal with lots of greens for weight loss, this salad will not disappoint.
Trust me, this recipe is so good that you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try – who knows? You might find yourself becoming a spinach salad convert!
Ingredient List
Let’s gather all the fresh and flavorful ingredients needed to make this delicious vegan spinach salad recipe. Here is what you’ll need:
Salad Ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves, cut or torn into bite-sized pieces
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed (optional)
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste and preferences. Let’s move on to the next section where I’ll show you how to make this easy vegan spinach salad recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Salad Ingredients
To start making this easy vegan spinach salad, gather your salad ingredients first. You will need:
- 10 ounces of fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, toasted
Combine all these ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss gently.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
For the dressing, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
In a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard and maple syrup until blended well.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Once both the salad and dressing are ready, pour the dressing over your salad and toss gently to coat all greens and vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper and salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve Fresh
Serve the vegan spinach salad immediately so that it’s still fresh and crispy. You can also chill it for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, I am all about experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations. Here are some substitutions and variations to try out with this easy vegan spinach salad recipe!
– Swap out the baby spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery twist.
– Add in some sliced apple or pear for a sweet crunch.
– Try using different types of vinegar for the dressing, such as apple cider or red wine vinegar.
– For extra protein, add in some chickpeas or quinoa.
– If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs like oregano or thyme can be used instead.
– Top your salad with sliced avocado to make it creamier and more filling.
– Use different types of seeds in place of sesame seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Get creative with your ingredients and mix up this simple spinach salad recipe to match your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless, and you might just discover your new favorite combination!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this easy vegan spinach salad, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the delicious flavors. This salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or can be enjoyed as a light lunch. It’s also perfect for those who are looking for high protein and low calorie meals to maintain their weight loss while still enjoying great taste.
If you want to add more flavor and texture, you can top the salad with fresh herbs or seeds toasted in a pan. A sprinkle of fresh ground pepper or salt can also bring out the flavors of the salad even more. You can also try adding some sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes to give your salad a boost of flavor and nutrition.
When it comes to serving this delightful vegan spinach salad, you can pair it beautifully with any main dish such as grilled chicken or fish. If you’re vegan, then you can pair it with baked potatoes or tofu, and enjoy an incredibly satisfying meal that is both nutritious and full of flavor.
For those who love experimenting with different combinations of flavors, you can also try pairing this delicious salad with other salads such as apple spinach or strawberry salads. The sesame seeds on this salad also pair well with a sesame seed dressing or an apple cider vinaigrette.
In conclusion, this healthy vegan spinach salad is extremely versatile and can be paired with a variety of other dishes for an impressive meal that will satisfy your hunger pangs without compromising your health goals or taste preferences.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Make-Ahead:
This vegan spinach salad recipe can be easily prepped the night before you plan to serve it. However, if you are preparing the salad in advance, I recommend packing the spinach and dressing separately then mix them together right before serving. As a result, the leaves won’t wilt, and the salad will remain fresh.
Storing:
If you have any leftovers, make sure to remove any leftover avocado or tomato then store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can keep the leftovers for up to 3 days. Please note that the vegetables in this salad might release water over time, so they might get a bit soggy.
Reheating:
Unfortunately, this vegan spinach salad doesn’t lend itself well to reheating. But there is a way to bring it back to life without reheat it too much. I recommend mixing it with some fresh baby spinach leaves, add another drizzle of dressing then tossing it together to create a new crunchy layer that will refresh your palate. Trust me; it will help make the leftovers feel like they are just as good as when they were first made!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know the ingredients and the steps for making this easy vegan spinach salad recipe, let me share some helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.
1. Massage the spinach: Massaging the baby spinach leaves with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding other ingredients will help to soften them up and make them more tender.
2. Use fresh herbs: Using fresh herbs like thyme, parsley or basil adds more flavors to the salad. Chop them up and sprinkle on top of your salad.
3. Toasted seeds: Adding toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds gives a crunchy texture to the salad. Simply put them in a dry pan over medium heat until they start to brown and become fragrant.
4. Let it marinate: Salad dressings are best when they have time to infuse into the ingredients. If you have time, let your salad sit for about 15 minutes in the fridge after mixing everything up, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
5. Store components separately: If you want to make this salad ahead of time or store leftovers, keep the ingredients separate until ready to serve. The spinach leaves can become mushy from excess moisture if left with other wetter components like tomatoes or cucumbers.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a beautifully balanced vegan spinach salad that is both healthy and delicious!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy vegan spinach salad recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy, hearty meals that are quick and easy to make. With simple ingredients like fresh spinach leaves, sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, and a variety of dressings to choose from, you can customize this salad to your liking and make it your own.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients that are good for your body. It’s high in protein, low in calories, and is perfect for anyone who’s looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, look no further than this vegan spinach salad recipe. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy Vegan Spinach Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 125 g Baby Spinach
- 3 -4 tomatoes
- 1 -2 teaspoon mustard
- 1 -3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 -3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 dash fresh ground pepper
- 3 fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano, ...)
Instructions
- Wash your spinach, tomato and herbs.
- Make dressing: oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon mustard (you may add more if you like it or skip it completely), parsley.
- Add half your dressing to the spinach and toss.
- Cut up your tomatoes in half and then slices and add them to the spinach without the excess juice. Toss.
- Add more dressing and make to your preference.
- Enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.