Spinach Basil Salad with Pine Nut Dressing
Brighten up your table with this flavorful Spinach Basil Salad with Pine Nut Dressing, a vibrant fusion of fresh greens and creamy, nutty goodness! Featuring crisp baby spinach, fragrant basil leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the subtle sweetness of red onion, this salad is tossed in a luscious homemade dressing made from toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of honey. The toasted pine nuts lend both a rich depth of flavor and a delightful crunch, while the tangy dressing effortlessly ties it all together. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect as a refreshing side or a light main course—an irresistible blend of freshness and gourmet flair.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 0.25 medium red onion
- 0.5 cup pine nuts
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 whole garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Toast the pine nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup of the toasted pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic clove, honey, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the salad base: Rinse and dry the baby spinach and basil leaves. Add them to a large salad bowl.
Slice the red onion into thin strips and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add both to the salad bowl.
Drizzle the pine nut dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.
Garnish the salad with the remaining toasted pine nuts for a crunchy topping.
Serve immediately as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1033 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.0 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1257 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.5 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.3 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 152 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1367 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
