Quick Impressive Spinach Side Salads

Food/Cooking - Healthy Food

By: BonnieDossKnight 22-Mar-2012

Introduction:

As a hostess, there are times to impress, such as when the boss comes to dinner or the mother-in-law joins you for lunch. Spinach side salads are quick to make and make an impressive presentation.

They are prettiest when served on crystal or glass, chilled salad plates. Put plates in freezer about one hour before serving. Prepare individual salad plates at last minute.

Spinach and Sunchokes

Sunchokes are Jerusalem artichokes. If you can't find them, plain artichokes can substitute. Make a bed of baby spinach on salad plates and top with: peeled and finely chopped sunchokes, carrot rounds, chopped red bell pepper and 3-4 red onion rings.

The sunchokes like lime. You can squeeze lime juice over spinach and sunchokes before serving. Bottled cucumber dressing is a good choice.

Spinach-Bacon-Apple

Fry bacon to crisp stage and crumble. If you want a lower-fat version, use turkey bacon. Thinly slice red apple(s). In bowl mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons frozen concentrated orange juice (thawed). Toss ingredients. Awesome, must try quick impressive spinach-bacon-apple salad.

Spinach and Mandarin Oranges

(My personal favorite!) Over low heat, sauté ¼ cup sliced almonds with 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon sugar until sugar melts and coats almonds. The almonds will clump, so gently break them apart.

Put one bag baby spinach, 2 stalks chopped celery and two thinly sliced green onions in a large zip lock bag. Drain mandarin oranges and add. Close bag and shake ingredients until mixed. Add almonds and shake again. Poppy seed dressing blends well. You can add dressing to bag if desired, but I don't like "soggy" salad.

If you're not wild about mandarin oranges, substitute strawberries.

Spinach and Avocado

Make a bed of baby spinach on salad plates and top with: thin slices red radishes, pitted ripe olives, yellow bell pepper rings and avocado wedges. Creamy dressings, such as Italian or honey mustard are tasty on this one. You'll love the pretty colors of spinach and avocado.

Spinach and Chicken Salad

This is a robust salad. With just a little effort, you can make it on a dinner sized plate, add warm bread and call it a meal! Make a bed of baby spinach on salad plates and drizzle with vinegar and oil. Place one scoop of your favorite chicken salad in the middle. For each salad: slice two grape or cherry tomatoes in halves. Slice one boiled egg in rings. Decorate the edges with tomatoes and egg rings. Sprinkle paprika over eggs.

Note: Substitute a scoop of potato salad for the chicken salad for a hardy salad to serve with family dinner.

Final Thoughts

Go forth and impress somebody!

Give this list a high five!

Comments

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dashboardc33 1/30/2013
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Great list!
ElaineChastain 3/27/2012
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I'll have a #2 and a #3. Popeye knew a thing or two about spinach and obviously you do too!
belindayhughes 3/24/2012
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I'll have a #3, substitute honey for the sugar, with poppy seed vinaigrette, please. H5
pamperedpen 3/23/2012
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I love spinach and will definitely try these suggestions. H5
TigerStripes 3/23/2012
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I vote for #3! Great list and they all sound good!
hummingbirdee 3/22/2012
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This is a wonderful assortment and impressive group of salad types. Can I come for dinner?
goodselfme 3/22/2012
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Your list is nutritious,colorful and gives a variety of salad options with spinach. Spinach is a favorite veggie in a salad so I will be remembering your recipes.Thank you.