(Serves 1 very hungry person)
You don’t win friends with salad! You don’t win friends with salad!
Although….with this spinach salad, you just might. It’s the BEST. I like the idea of eating a big salad for lunch. It makes me feel so healthy and like I am making good choices. The drawback for me is that I am hungry again two hours later. And then my healthy streak derails when I am hangry and searching for snacks between 3:00 and 4:00pm. Probably why you don’t usually win friends with salad.
This salad is different. It is delicious and truly satisfying. Truthfully, with the nuts, cheese and cherries I don’t mind eating it without the dressing. Although the dressing takes it over the top and makes it feel like a luxurious meal. If you want it to be an even bigger meal top it with additional protein – grilled chicken, steak, or hard-boiled eggs all work great here. I often make the salad the night before to take with me to the office the next day and it holds up fine, just keep the dressing on the side (if using) until it’s time to eat and enjoy your satisfying lunch.
You Will Need:
Salad
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers, I like the baby cucumbers since they are crunchier
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- About 1-ounce crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons shelled, roasted, salted pistachios
- 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries
- Honey mustard dressing (recipe below)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Make the dressing – combine the honey, mustard and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth. Add the vinegar a little at a time to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- The dressing recipe makes enough for multiple salads, so portion into small individual containers, if desired.
- Make the salad – In a medium bowl, place all the salad ingredients. Start with the spinach then add the other vegetables.
- Put the cheese, cherries, and nuts on top.
- Serve with the honey mustard dressing.
Note – The recipe can easily be doubled to serve 4-6 as a salad course before dinner too.
Honey Mustard Dressing
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- ½ – 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Kosher salt and black pepper
