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Fall Spinach Salad
Healthy fall spinach salad with fluffy chia quinoa, apples, pecans, and a warm fall-inspired sweet nutty dressing. It's the perfect autumn salad!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 756 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
FOR THE WARM DRESSING:
- ¼ cup apple juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest about the zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp and 1 tsp lemon juice about the juice of 1 lemon
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp nut butter like peanut cashew, or pecan butter
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper or to taste
FOR THE SALAD:
- 4 cups spinach divided in half
- 1 cup of chia quinoa*** (see note below) divided in half
- ½ cup pecans divided in half
- 1 apple core removed, thin-sliced, dived in half
- ¼ cup dried cranberries divided in half
Instructions
MAKE DRESSING:
- In a mixing bowl, add all of the warm dressing ingredients. Mix well. Transfer the thin dressing to a saucepan over medium heat. Then, use a whisk to stir off and on for 5 minutes. Finally, the sauce should reduce and slightly thicken.
- When ready, transfer the warm dressing to a mason jar or heat-safe container and set aside.
Cup of Yum
MAKE SALAD:
- Grab two of your favorite bowls. Add about two cups of spinach ( or more if you like) to each bowl.
- Next, spoon on chia quinoa on the corners and in the center of each bowl. Try to avoid sprinkling the quinoa on. Spoon the quinoa in place for a nice presentation.
- Then add the thinly sliced, pecans, apples, and cranberries.
TO FINISH:
- Finally, drizzle as much of the dressing onto each salad.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- How To Make Chia Quinoa:
- To make chia quinoa, add 1 cup of quinoa to a pot along with 2 cups of water and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Cook the quinoa until the water is gone and the quinoa is nice and fluffy, about 15 minutes on medium heat. This will yield 3 cups of quinoa, and you will certainly have extra after making this fall salad.
- After the quinoa is fully cooked, add about 1/4 cup of chia seeds. Give a quick mix with a fork to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Finally, transfer the chia quinoa into a container with a lid and place it into the fridge until it’s nice and cold, about 3-6 hours minimum.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2.5cups
Calories
756kcal
(38%)
Carbohydrates
99g
(33%)
Protein
18g
(36%)
Fat
36g
(55%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
10g
Monounsaturated Fat
19g
Sodium
383mg
(16%)
Potassium
1147mg
(33%)
Fiber
14g
(56%)
Sugar
31g
(62%)
Vitamin A
5706IU
(114%)
Vitamin C
29mg
(32%)
Calcium
146mg
(15%)
Iron
7mg
(39%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 756
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2.5cups | |
| Calories | 756kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 99g | 33% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Sodium | 383mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 1147mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 31g | 62% |
| Vitamin A | 5706IU | 114% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 146mg | 15% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.