Spinach avocado walnut salad with cranberries is a nutrient-rich and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy meal or side option. This salad combines the goodness of fresh spinach with creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cranberries, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and flavours.
Ingredients
In this blog post, we will share a delicious and healthy recipe for a spinach, avocado, and walnut salad with cranberries. This salad is perfect for those looking to incorporate more nutrient-rich ingredients into their diet. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavour and health benefits to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the critical components of this refreshing salad:
Spinach
Spinach is the superstar of this salad, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in calories but high in fibre, making it an excellent choice for weight management. Spinach is also rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health, and vitamin C, which boosts immune function. Including spinach in your diet can contribute to improved digestion and overall well-being.
Avocado
Next up, we have the creamy and nutritious avocado. Avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help to reduce harmful cholesterol levels. It is also a great source of potassium, a vital mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Avocado is rich in fibre, promoting satiety and aiding in weight loss. Additionally, it contains beneficial antioxidants that support skin health and fight inflammation.
Walnuts
Walnuts bring a delightful crunch to this salad and a whole array of health benefits. These nuts are an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to brain health and reducing the risk of heart disease. They also contain antioxidants that protect against cell damage and inflammation. Incorporating walnuts into your diet can promote healthy ageing and improve cognitive function.
Cranberries
Last, we have the tart and tangy cranberries, adding flavour. Cranberries are known for their high content of antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress in the body. They are also an excellent source of fibre and vitamin C. Consuming cranberries regularly can support urinary tract health and reduce the risk of certain infections.
Now that we’ve explored the key ingredients of this delicious spinach, avocado, and walnut salad with cranberries, it’s time to gather them and embark on a flavorful culinary adventure. Follow the recipe below to assemble a salad that is as visually appealing as it is tasty!
Preparation
This delicious spinach, avocado, and walnut salad with cranberries is the perfect healthy option for a quick and easy meal. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavour, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying choice that can be prepared in no time.
Combining fresh spinach, creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Give it a try and enjoy a nutritious and delicious salad that will energize and satisfy you.
Wash And Prep The Spinach
Your Spinach Avocado Walnut Salad with Cranberries starts with the freshest and most vibrant spinach leaves. Start by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or unwanted particles. Fill a large bowl with cold water and immerse the spinach leaves in it. Swirl the leaves around gently with your hands to loosen any debris clinging to them. After a few minutes, remove the spinach from the water and drain it in a colander.
Slice And Dice The Avocado
A perfectly ripe avocado is a crucial ingredient for this salad, adding a creamy texture and a delightful taste to every bite. Use a sharp knife to slice the avocado carefully in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves gently to separate them, then remove the pit by either scooping it out with a spoon or giving it a gentle tap with the knife to remove it. Once the pit is removed, use the knife to slice the avocado flesh into thin strips carefully. Then, turn the avocado and cut across the slices to create small, bite-sized pieces.
Toast The Walnuts
Toasted walnuts add a crispy and nutty element to your spinach, avocado, and walnut salad. Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavour and gives them a delightful crunch. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and place them in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely before using.
Add Cranberries To The Salad
Now that the main ingredients are prepared, bringing a tangy sweetness to your spinach, avocado, and walnut salad with cranberries is time. Cranberries add beautiful pops of colour and provide a lovely balance of flavours. Sprinkle a handful of dried cranberries onto your prepared salad, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. This will ensure that every bite is a delightful combination of flavours and textures.
Dressing
This spinach, avocado, and walnut salad with cranberries is a delicious and nutritious option for a refreshing meal. The vibrant flavours and textures of the ingredients are enhanced by a simple dressing, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Prepare The Dressing
Now that you have gathered all the vibrant and nutritious ingredients for your spinach avocado walnut salad with cranberries, it’s time to prepare the mouthwatering dressing that will elevate the flavours to new heights. This dressing is delicious and incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps.
To get started, grab a small mixing bowl and gather the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- One tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Now that you have everything ready let’s dive into the simple process of creating this tantalizing dressing:
- Start by pouring the extra virgin olive oil into the mixing bowl.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Using a whisk or a fork, vigorously whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and emulsified.
Once you have whisked the dressing to perfection, please take a moment to savour its enticing aroma. The subtle sweetness of honey and the tanginess of apple cider vinegar blend harmoniously to create a flavour profile that will beautifully complement the freshness of your salad ingredients.
Toss The Salad With The Dressing
With the dressing prepared, it’s time to infuse the spinach, avocado, and walnut salad with cranberries with rich and delectable flavours. Tossing the salad with the dressing will ensure that every crispy spinach leaf, creamy avocado slice, and juicy cranberry is gracefully coated, allowing each bite to burst with savoury satisfaction.
To accomplish this, follow these simple steps:
- Add your freshly washed and dried spinach leaves to a large salad bowl.
- Slice open a ripe avocado, remove the pit, and carefully scoop out the green flesh. Cut the avocado into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of toasted walnuts and cranberries over the salad.
- Gently drizzle the dressing over the top, distributing it evenly.
- Toss the salad ingredients together using clean hands or salad tongs, ensuring that the dressing coats each ingredient thoroughly.
As you toss the salad with the dressing, please take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colours coming together, teasing your taste buds with their promise of delightful flavours. Each mouthful will be a symphony of textures and tastes, with the creamy avocado balancing the crispness of the spinach, the crunch of the walnuts, and the sweetness of the cranberries.
Now that you have mastered the art of preparing the dressing and tossing the salad, it’s time to indulge in the marvellous creation you have brought to life. Devour each bite with relish, knowing that you have nourished your body with the goodness of spinach, avocado, walnuts, and cranberries, perfectly united by the enchanting dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions For Spinach Avocado Walnut Salad With Cranberries
What Is The Ingredients Of Spinach Salad?
A spinach salad typically includes fresh leaves, sliced red onions, diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
How Many Calories Are In A Spinach Salad?
A spinach salad typically contains around 23-30 calories per cup, depending on the ingredients used.
Can I Use a Different Nut Type in This Salad?
Yes, you can customize the salad by using different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans. Just make sure to choose nuts that complement the flavours of the other ingredients.
Is This Salad Suitable For A Vegetarian Diet?
Absolutely! This spinach, avocado, and walnut salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no animal products. It’s a nutritious option packed with plant-based goodness.
Conclusion
To sum it up, this spinach avocado walnut salad with cranberries is an absolute delight for your taste buds and your health. This salad is a perfect addition to any meal, packed with nutrients, vibrant colours, and a burst of flavours.
Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or looking to incorporate more nutritious options into your diet, this recipe is a must-try. So, grab your ingredients and indulge in this wholesome, satisfying dish today!
