Are you looking for a way to add more greens to your diet? Spinach salad is the way to go. Don’t be scared of spinach anymore. It can be delicious. And, this month, we are here to prove it to you. So, get ready to add some recipes to your back pocket. Whether you are eating in or heading to a BBQ, we have recipes for you.
So, why should you eat spinach? The answer is easy – it’s one of the best foods for you. However, so many people steer clear.
But, do you know how nutritious is really is?
Spinach is packed with tons of nutrients. It also has a low-calorie count. Dark leafy greens like spinach promote the growth of bone, hair, and skin. It also increases energy and supports heart health.
Spinach Nutritional Facts
80g of raw spinach contains:
For more on the health benefits of spinach see Top 5 Benefits of Spinach.
To begin, we will keep it simple. We have a list of ingredients that work well with spinach. Combine them to make a delicious meal. Or a simple side for your lunch/dinner.
In terms of fruits and vegetables, almost everything pairs well in a spinach salad.
But here are a few of our favs:
Spinach blends well with sweeter ingredients. This is why we suggest having a sweet note on your spinach salad. However, it doesn’t have to be fruit. For example, your dressing could be on the sweeter side. If you’re not sure what dressing to choose, try out one of our recipes below.
As far as other components go, spinach salad loves a good cheese. Again, you can add your personal favorite. Yet, we believe an excellent soft cheese like goat’s cheese or feta is best. For a heartier meal, add in some protein. But think outside the box. Try out one of these fantastic options.
Salads don’t have to be boring. It’s about more than just the greens. Therefore, choosing a suitable protein can make all the difference. Switch it up and try something new! We have something for all taste buds. Our personal go-to is always grilled chicken. We are a poultry farm, after all. Nevertheless, there are so many other options out there.
Farm fresh eggs are a good place to start. Have you ever tried an egg on a salad? Hardboiled eggs are not only delicious but also nutritious. You can cook them to your liking. Plus, they are easy to prep. Just cook and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week; when you are ready, slice and pop them on your favorite spinach salad.
For proper cooking times or nutrition facts, see our blog Farm Fresh Eggs.
Secondly, we have a few vegetarian options. Have you ever heard the term legume? A few examples are beans, chickpeas, and lentils. All of these pack a serious protein punch. Not to mention, they are tasty additions to any salad. But, you must know how to prepare them properly.
Remember, if you are cooking beans from dried, you must soak them first. You cannot skip this step. Alternatively, you can buy canned beans that are ready to go. Just season and enjoy. Keep in mind; you will want to look for low sodium versions. As with all canned foods, sodium levels vary. To keep it simple, add salt and pepper. Or, try out these Chipotle Black Beans for a flavor punch.
For a crunchy addition, why not try roasted chickpeas? They are light, flavorful, and high in protein. You can make them yourself or try out a brand like The Good Bean.
Or, better yet, try out these Crispy Lentils.
Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for. The recipes, of course. Now that you’ve learned a bit of what works well and how to bulk it up, it’s time to put it to the test. We have some tried and true recipes for all seasons. From BBQs to family dinners, these spinach salad ideas will have everyone asking for more.
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is always a winner. What’s not to like? Plus, it’s easy to switch it up if you aren’t a fan of some of the ingredients. For example, try goat cheese instead of feta. Visit our store to pick up the skinless chicken breasts needed for this spinach salad. You could also use chicken thighs. We have some BBQ Chicken Recipes You’ll Love.
For others, this Perfect Spinach Salad will hit the spot. It’s a combination of cold and warm: the bacon and egg pairs together well with this spinach salad. Check out our selection of eggs in our Farm Store. We are open Wednesday through Saturday.
For your next summer BBQ, try this Greek Chickpea Salad. It’s packed with flavor. It’s also vegetarian and works as a main or a side dish. If you know that some of your guests are vegan, omit the cheese. It’s easy to place it on the side. For a twist, try out the “roasted chickpeas” instead.
To conclude, we have some dressing options for your spinach salad.
But is dressing really healthy? Or should you skip it altogether? In short, the answer is NO; you should not skip it. Homemade dressing can be light and fresh. That’s why we suggest making your own.
All you need is a few simple ingredients. Moreover, you can add your flair to them. For instance, try adding in fresh herbs. Similarly, you can switch up the oils or vinegar. Above all, make your dressing your own. It’s all about choosing the flavors you enjoy.
Firstly, start with this Zesty Spinach Salad Dressing. Next, you can switch it up. This recipe works well for any of the salads above.
However, if you are looking for a sweeter dressing, this Honey Dijon Dressing is a great choice.
Without a doubt, spinach salad will become your new go-to salad. For one thing, they are delicious. On the other hand, they are nutritious.
All in all, it’s a win-win situation. Enjoy!
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