Not the Normal Spinach Salad

Elevate your salad game with 'Not the Normal Spinach Salad,' a fresh, flavor-packed recipe that’s anything but ordinary. This vibrant dish combines nutrient-rich baby spinach with the sweetness of ripe pear, tart pomegranate seeds, and the creamy tang of goat cheese. Crunchy candied pecans add a delightful contrast, while fluffy quinoa boosts protein and texture. A drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette, made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey, ties everything together with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a stunning side dish for any gathering. Healthy, sophisticated, and delicious, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to upgrade their leafy greens.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 cup candied pecans
• 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 0.5 cup pomegranate seeds
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, layer the baby spinach, thinly sliced pear, crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, red onion, cooked quinoa, and pomegranate seeds.

Step 2

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Step 3

Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.

Step 4

Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates for presentation.

Step 6

Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, flavor-packed salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	937.6 grams (937.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2325

Total Fat 176.80g	227%
Saturated Fat 48.30g	242%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 137mg	46%
Sodium 1938mg	84%
Total Carbohydrate 127.50g	46%
Dietary Fiber 20.70g	74%
Total Sugars 60.60g
Protein 68.40g	137%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 615mg	47%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 1822mg	39%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.0%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 21.5%