| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 340 | 21g | 4g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 10g | 8g | 0.3g |
If there’s one dish that never fails to bring a flash of vibrant colors and tropical flavors to my Miami-forward palate, it’s the New Zealand Spinach Salad. Expanding my culinary repertoire beyond my Cuban-Spanish roots, this exotic salad caught my fancy from the first bite, securing its place in my kitchen and my foodie heart.
The Blissful Balance of Flavors
From the first serving onto your plate, this salad promises an intriguing tangle of tastes and textures. Within, you’ll find fresh, succulent strawberries and silky mango chunks, presenting a clever play of sweet and tangy flavors. The creamy cubes of ripe avocado provide a subtle contrast, marrying beautifully with the faintly salty crumble of feta cheese. The subdued, mildly earthy New Zealand spinach, accompanied by a crunch of toasted almonds, round off the salad harmoniously. And to make this culinary concert complete, the piece de resistance is nothing but the cooling whisper of fresh mint leaves, that gives the salad a breath of freshness.
As for the dressing, it’s a delightful harmony of rich olive oil, acetic apple cider vinegar, sweet honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. No overpowering spices, nothing too sharp: just the right play of flavours, put together to enhance the natural taste of the ingredients rather than mask them.
Health Benefits of the New Zealand Spinach Salad
And this salad is more than just a pretty plate. Behind all that rainbow of fresh produce lies an arsenal of health benefits that I am always thrilled to embrace. For starters, spinach and strawberries are known for their high concentrations of essential vitamins and antioxidants, acting as healthy soldiers fighting against free radicals, boosting your immune system. Mangos and avocados are ample sources of dietary fiber and provide you with plenty of essential vitamins. Avocados, also known for their heart-friendly good fats, find a good company in almonds, a well-known heart-health superfood, and feta cheese that brings protein and calcium to the table. All these elements come together, thanks to the dressing with olive oil, a powerhouse of heart-healthy fats and vitamin E, and apple cider vinegar, a popular home remedy for various health issues including cholesterol control and weight loss.
I must say that the New Zealand Spinach Salad can be likened to the classic Rainbow Chopped Salad with a tropical twist. And it’s versatile, at that. Pair this salad with a hearty grilled chicken avocado sandwich for lunch or take it along to summer barbeque or a picnic. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a stand-alone meal, the New Zealand Spinach Salad always adds a touch of exotic charm and health to your table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 bunch of fresh New Zealand Spinach (washed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 large ripe mango (peeled and diced)
- 1 large ripe avocado (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds (toasted)
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
First, prepare the salad ingredients. You start by washing the New Zealand Spinach and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Afterward, slice your fresh strawberries, peel and dice your ripe mango and avocado. Ensure to remove the pits from the fruits during this process.
Step Two
Combine these ingredients in a large salad bowl. Add into the mix the crumbled feta cheese. Toast your almond slices in a heated pan until golden brown. Once done, add these to the salad bowl as well.
Step Three
For a burst of freshness, tear the fresh mint leaves and add them to the salad. This brings a depth of flavor that balances out the sweetness from the fruits.
Step Four
Now it’s time to prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until the mixture is fully integrated, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step Five
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss the salad until all the ingredients are well coated, ensuring that every bite would have a taste of the fresh, sweet fruits, the creamy feta and avocado, the crunchy almonds, the aromatic mint, and the tangy dressing.
Step Six
Serve immediately and enjoy your New Zealand Spinach Salad!
