| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 233 | 15g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 3g | 6g | 0.4g |
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as the diverse flavors of a well-prepared Spinach Salad with Loquats and Citrus Vinaigrette. This dish embraces the natural sweetness of fruits and the indulgent fats in the dressing, complementary elements of a salad that equates to a delightful concoction of good health and great taste.
A Vibrant Burst of Health
As a Nebraskan embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, I adore recipes that allow nature’s finest to shine, and this Spinach Salad with Loquats and Citrus Vinaigrette absolutely does. Leafy spinach, freshly picked loquats, zesty orange segments and crisp red onion come together to create not just a visually appealing meal, but a nourishing one as well. These incredible ingredients are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and a host of other nutrients that boost immunity and promote overall good health.
Savory Citrus Vinaigrette
What complements the salad’s natural freshness is the lip-smacking Citrus Vinaigrette. Leveraging the tangy delight of orange and lemon juice, and the endangered sweetness of honey, this dressing is bound to tantalize your tastebuds. And let’s not forget the wholesome goodness of Extra-virgin olive oil that amps up the dietary fiber and healthy fat quotient of the salad. And yes, unlike many commercially available dressings, you know exactly what’s in it – all good, all healthy!
Inspired by the sunny, fruit-rich cuisine of California, this salad bears resemblance to the Citrus and Avocado Salad which carries the same citrus punch but with the added creaminess of avocado. This salad, with its distinct refreshing vibe, works beautifully as a light lunch or can act as a vibrant component of a larger spread, perhaps accompanying a comforting Midwestern beef stew.
For those who seek wholesome, flavorful, and minimally processed meals, this Spinach Salad with Loquats and Citrus Vinaigrette is an absolute must-try. It embodies my passion for good tasting food that nourishes the body, pays tribute to nature’s bounty, and most importantly, warms the heart.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups Fresh spinach
- 20 Loquats, peeled, pitted and halved
- 1 cup Orange segments
- 1/2 cup Thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup Slivered almonds, toasted
- For Citrus Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the loquats. Rinse them gently under cold water and dry them with a towel. Slice them in half and remove the seeds. Set them aside for later.
Step Two
Next, turn to your spinach. Wash it thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Spin it in a salad spinner or pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in a large salad bowl.
Step Three
Peel the orange, being careful to remove all the pith. Cut the orange flesh into segments and add them to the spinach.
Step Four
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad. Then add the halved loquats and toasted almonds.
Step Five
Now, you can start making the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step Six
Slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil into the juice mixture while continuously whisking. This will help your vinaigrette emulsify and prevent it from separating. Once all the oil has been added and your vinaigrette is smooth, season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Finally, pour the vinaigrette over the spinach salad and toss everything together until the salad is well coated. Be careful not to bruise the spinach leaves while you’re doing this. And your Spinach Salad with Loquats and Citrus Vinaigrette is ready to serve and enjoy!
