Best 7 Simple Italian Spinach Salad Recipes

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In the realm of delectable salads, the Italian Spinach Salad shines as a beacon of vibrant flavors and textures. This culinary delight, with its origins in the sun-kissed lands of Italy, is a symphony of fresh baby spinach, tangy red onion, juicy tomatoes, and crisp croutons, all harmoniously united by a luscious homemade balsamic vinaigrette. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover two enticing variations of this classic: a traditional rendition that stays true to its Italian roots and a modern twist that incorporates delightful surprises like roasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

**Traditional Italian Spinach Salad:** This classic recipe captures the essence of Italian simplicity and elegance. Fresh baby spinach forms the foundation of this salad, providing a bed of tender greens. Diced red onion adds a piquant sharpness, while ripe tomatoes contribute a burst of juicy sweetness. Crusty croutons, toasted to perfection, offer a delightful textural contrast. The crowning glory is the homemade balsamic vinaigrette, a luscious blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of garlic, enveloping the salad in a flavorful embrace.

**Modern Italian Spinach Salad with Roasted Pine Nuts and Feta Cheese:** This contemporary take on the Italian Spinach Salad introduces exciting new dimensions of flavor and texture. Roasted pine nuts, toasted until golden brown, impart a nutty richness and a delightful crunch. Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy, salty note that beautifully complements the other ingredients. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette remains the star of the show, tying all the elements together in perfect harmony.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SUPER SIMPLE SPINACH SALAD



Super simple spinach salad image

A simple but divine spinach salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette!

Provided by Kathryn

Categories     Salads

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 5

5-6 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 clove minced garlic
1 overflowing tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Put your spinach into a big bowl. If you're using any add-ins, go ahead and add them now. (See notes for ideas.)
  • Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake them up until it's well mixed.
  • Pour the dressing over the spinach right before you're ready to serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 103 calories, Carbohydrate 10 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 6 grams fat, Fiber 5 grams fiber, Protein 7 grams protein, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 213 grams sodium, Sugar 2 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams unsaturated fat

SPINACH PASTA SALAD



Spinach Pasta Salad image

Tangy, garlicky, peppery pasta salad stays fresh for days making it perfect for lunches throughout the week or for an easy make-ahead dinner.

Provided by Mary Younkin

Categories     Main Course

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces bowtie pasta
1/2 very small red onion (thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces, about 1/4 cup)
3 large cloves garlic (minced)
6 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups baby spinach
2 cups grape tomatoes (halved)
grated fresh Parmesan (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil along with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse the pasta.
  • While the pasta is cooking, place the onions and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil and vinegar to cover the onions. When the pasta has been drained, add it to the mixing bowl and toss well. Add the tomatoes and spinach.
  • Toss everything together to mix well and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper, as needed. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 306 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SPINACH TORTELLINI SALAD



Spinach Tortellini Salad image

Easy Spinach Tortellini Salad, loaded with with fresh herbs, tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives, and tossed in a simple homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for a little party, or serve it as a side next to chicken or fish. Leftovers will make a great lunch the next day!

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad     Side Dish

Time 17m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound fresh tortelloni pasta,
2 cups baby spinach ((packed))
1 cup cherry tomatoes ((halved))
1 cup fresh parsley ((chopped) )
1 cup fresh basil ((chopped) )
1 cup baby mozzarella balls
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes in oil ((chopped, drained) )
1/2 cup olives ((sliced, any kind you like))
2 cloves garlic ((minced))
1 lemon ((juice of))
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the tortellini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions (about 5 to 7 minutes). Drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Add the rest of the salad ingredients and toss gently.
  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. Add a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss to combine.
  • For best flavor, allow the salad to rest for 30 minutes or so for the flavors to meld before serving. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.8 kcal, Carbohydrate 38.2 g, Protein 12.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Cholesterol 44.7 mg, Sodium 828.5 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 3.2 g, UnsaturatedFat 6.1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ITALIAN DRESSING MIX



Italian Dressing Mix image

Great for gifts for co-workers and friends.

Provided by Debby

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Italian Dressing

Time 5m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons salt

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, oregano, pepper, thyme, basil, parsley, celery salt and regular salt. Store in a tightly sealed container.
  • To prepare dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2/3 cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of the dry mix.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 7.5 calories, Carbohydrate 1.8 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 0.2 g, Sodium 1235.8 mg, Sugar 1 g

EASY AND AWESOME SPINACH SALAD



Easy and Awesome Spinach Salad image

This is a very easy spinach salad to make. The dressing has some unusual ingredients but is very delicious. I never have leftovers at potlucks when I take this salad.

Provided by Lady Scrapalot

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Spinach Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 slices bacon, or more to taste
1 (16 ounce) bag fresh spinach, stems removed
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup white sugar
⅓ cup ketchup
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Place the bacon into a skillet over medium heat, and cook until browned and crisp, turning often, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to absorb excess grease. Crumble the bacon when cool.
  • Place the spinach into a large salad bowl, and sprinkle with the bacon, hard-cooked eggs, and onion. Gently toss the salad.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, ketchup, vegetable oil, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.8 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 57.9 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 290 mg, Sugar 15.7 g

ITALIAN SPINACH SALAD - TOH



Italian Spinach Salad - Toh image

From TOH Simple and Delicious Mar/April edition 2008. I'm saving this for a spring salad choice when baby spinach is in season locally. It looks very simple to put together. I'm really drawn to it by the warm dressing you use over the salads. Makes 8 salad plates/servings - so adjust as necessary. I've already made a few adjustments based on my personal preferences (cooked bacon over bacon bits, vidalia onion over red, and added the red peppers).

Provided by HokiesMom

Categories     Spinach

Time 30m

Yield 8 salads, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups fresh Baby Spinach
2 medium tomatoes, quartered
8 large fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 hard-cooked eggs, quartered
1/2 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped (they said Bacon bits but I like only fresh)
1 small vidalia onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 medium red pepper, sliced thinly
3 tablespoons fresh dill, snipped (optional)
1 1/2 cups Italian salad dressing
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup seasoned croutons

Steps:

  • On eight salad plates, arrange the spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs, bacon, onion, red pepper and dill (if desired).
  • In a small saucepan, cook the salad dressing and sugar over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
  • Drizzle over the prepared salad plates and then sprinkle the salads with croutons.
  • Serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 175.8, Fat 14.4, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 53.1, Sodium 779.8, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 6.3, Protein 3.5

ITALIAN SPINACH AND MUSHROOM SALAD



Italian Spinach and Mushroom Salad image

Wishing for a dinner salad that pleases everyone? Here it is!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (10 oz) fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry
1 package (8 oz) sliced mushrooms
1 can (19 oz) Progresso™ chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
1/3 cup Betty Crocker™ Bac~Os® bacon flavor bits or chips
1/2 cup seasoned croutons
1/2 cup Italian dressing

Steps:

  • In large salad bowl, toss all ingredients except dressing. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 41 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 11 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 770 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • For best results, use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach leaves, ripe tomatoes, and crisp bacon will make your salad more flavorful and enjoyable.
  • Don't overdress the salad. A light vinaigrette dressing is all you need to enhance the flavors of the salad without overpowering them.
  • Serve the salad immediately after making it. This will prevent the spinach from wilting and the bacon from getting soggy.
  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or canned chickpeas. This will save you some time without sacrificing any of the flavor.
  • Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. You could add sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, or even a hard-boiled egg to your salad. Experiment until you find a combination of ingredients that you love.

Conclusion:

This simple Italian spinach salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite greens. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing salad, give this recipe a try.

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