Spinach Salad with Oranges Dried Cherries and Candied Pecans
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly crunchy, this Spinach Salad with Oranges, Dried Cherries, and Candied Pecans is a showstopper bursting with texture and flavor. Fresh baby spinach forms the base for juicy orange segments, sweet-tart dried cherries, and the perfect crunch of homemade candied pecans. A drizzle of tangy balsamic vinaigrette, balanced with honey and Dijon mustard, ties the dish together in a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vibrant salad is a delightful choice for a light lunch, elegant dinner side, or even a festive holiday spread. Perfect for those looking for healthy, gourmet flavors in a simple, easy-to-make recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 2 oranges
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 0.333 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly, and place it in a large salad bowl.
Peel and segment the oranges, removing any seeds and white membranes. Add the orange segments to the salad bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pecan halves, granulated sugar, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and coats the pecans evenly, about 3-5 minutes. Spread the candied pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool.
Add the dried cherries to the salad bowl with the spinach and oranges.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Roughly break apart the cooled candied pecans and add them to the salad.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, and toss gently to combine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.9 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 284 mg | 12% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.6 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.6 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.0 g | ||
| Protein | 5.3 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 103 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 398 mg | 8% | |
*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.
