Best 2 Autumn Spinach Salad Recipes

As the seasons change and autumn's crisp breezes fill the air, it's time to embrace the bounty of fresh, seasonal produce that nature provides. Spinach, a leafy green known for its nutritional value and versatility, takes center stage in this culinary exploration of autumn flavors. Discover a delectable recipe for an autumn spinach salad, where the vibrant colors and textures of the season come together in perfect harmony. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AUTUMN SPINACH SALAD RECIPE

Autumn Spinach Salad Recipe image

Autumn Spinach Salad, an easy salad recipe with fresh spinach, pecans, red onion, blue cheese, and a quick vinaigrette sweetened with SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener.

Provided by Lisa Huff

Categories Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves (washed & dried (about 12 cups))
2 ripe pears (cored & thinly sliced)
1 1/2 cups pecan halves (toasted)
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 small red onion (peeled & thinly sliced)
1/2 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup olive oil

Steps:

In a large serving bowl, toss together spinach, pear slices, pecan halves, blue cheese, and red onion sliced until well combined.
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, SPLENDA®, mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until well combined.
Pour desired amount of dressing over salad, and toss to combine. Serve with any remaining dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 476 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 46 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Cholesterol 13 mg, Sodium 372 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

AUTUMN SPINACH SALAD

Autumn Spinach Salad image

For a company-special dish, whip up this simple homemade dressing the night before and toss with autumn salad just before serving. -Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 medium pear, sliced
1 celery rib, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash hot pepper sauce

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 173 calories, Fat 13g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 127mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips for Cooking Spinach

Choose fresh spinach. Fresh spinach should be deep green in color, with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
Wash spinach thoroughly. Spinach can harbor dirt and grit, so be sure to rinse it well before cooking.
Cook spinach quickly. Overcooking spinach will make it tough and bitter. Aim to cook spinach for no more than 2-3 minutes, or until it is just wilted.
Add spinach to dishes at the end of cooking. This will help to preserve its nutrients and prevent it from overcooking.
Use spinach in a variety of dishes. Spinach can be added to salads, soups, stews, pasta dishes, and more. It is also a great source of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Conclusion

Spinach is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. By following these tips, you can cook spinach perfectly and enjoy its many health benefits.