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4.8 from 12 votes

Wilted Spinach Salad

In this warm spinach salad, the greens are wilted until they're just softened but keep their sweet fresh flavor.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 4251 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American-Mediterranean Fusion

Ingredients

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons honey (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves, plus more for garnish
  • kosher salt
  • ¾ cup shelled walnut halves/pieces
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • 10 ounces baby spinach
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • Finely grated zest of 1 large lemon (1 tablespoon)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the quick-pickled onions. To a jar or small bowl, add the red onion, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon of the tarragon, and 3 tablespoons of water. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, cover, and vigorously shake well (or stir to combine if using a bowl). Set aside to let the flavors meld for 30 minutes, shaking or stirring every 10 minutes. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pickling liquid in a mixing bowl for the dressing, then drain the onions and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, toast the nuts. In a dry medium skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the nuts are lightly toasted, about 6 minutes, then transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Make the dressing. To the mixing bowl with the pickling liquid, add the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, remaining 2 teaspoons honey and remaining 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and whisk to combine. Set the bowl near your stovetop.
  4. Get the spinach ready to be dressed. In a large bowl, add the baby spinach. Have some cling wrap close by (or a tight-fitting lid for the bowl).
  5. Warm the dressing. Give the skillet you used to toast the walnuts a quick wipe with a paper towel if there’s any residue. Return it to medium heat and warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the garlic, stirring continuously until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Over the heat, vigorously whisk in the dressing mixture until emulsified. Whisk continuously until the dressing is hot and bubbling at the edges.
  6. Wilt the spinach. Remove from heat and pour the dressing over the spinach, keeping about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Immediately cover the bowl well with plastic wrap or a lid. Give the bowl a shake to toss the spinach in the dressing. Set the covered bowl aside to allow the dressing to warm the spinach.
  7. Warm the cannellini beans. Add the beans to the remaining dressing in the skillet and set over medium heat. Carefully stir occasionally (making sure you do not mash up the beans) until the beans are hot, about 2 minutes.
  8. Season the beans. Turn off the heat and quickly stir in the lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Immediately add to the bowl with the spinach (do not stir) and quickly cover with plastic wrap to help retain the heat, giving the bowl a shake to toss the beans and spinach. Allow to sit for 3 minutes.
  9. Assemble and serve the salad. Transfer the spinach and cannellini beans to a serving platter or salad bowl, layering them with the pickled red onions and goat cheese. Top with the toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh tarragon (I used about 2 teaspoons). Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can double (or quadruple!) the quick-pickled red onions and store them in the pickling liquid in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 1 week (they lose their bite after that). They are delicious in sandwiches, on salads, pita wraps, or to serve with a cheeseboard.
  • to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including
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  • You can double (or quadruple!) the quick-pickled red onions and store them in the pickling liquid in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 1 week (they lose their bite after that). They are delicious in sandwiches, on salads, pita wraps, or to serve with a cheeseboard.
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition Information

Calories 425.1kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 12.2g (4%) Protein 11.1g (22%) Fat 38.8g (60%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 12.6g Monounsaturated Fat 16.6g Cholesterol 13mg (4%) Sodium 225mg (9%) Potassium 551.9mg (16%) Fiber 3.6g (14%) Sugar 6.2g (12%) Vitamin A 6947.5IU (139%) Vitamin C 21.7mg (24%) Calcium 142.8mg (14%) Iron 3.4mg (19%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 4251

% Daily Value*

Calories 425.1kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 12.2g 4%
Protein 11.1g 22%
Fat 38.8g 60%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.6g 74%
Monounsaturated Fat 16.6g 83%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 225mg 9%
Potassium 551.9mg 12%
Fiber 3.6g 14%
Sugar 6.2g 12%
Vitamin A 6947.5IU 139%
Vitamin C 21.7mg 24%
Calcium 142.8mg 14%
Iron 3.4mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.