Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making vinaigrette? ›

Balsamic vinegar is pure vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is dark brown in color and has a very robust, slightly sweet flavor. Balsamic vinaigrette is a mixture made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and/or other spices. It is typically used as a salad dressing but has other uses in the kitchen as well.

The milder, young leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, while the older ones are usually cooked (spinach has one of the shortest cooking times of all vegetables). It reduces very dramatically during cooking; a 450g bag will be just enough for two people. Read our guide on the health benefits of spinach.

It may be obvious to store creamy ranch dressing on your refrigerator's shelf, but oily dressings such as Italian or a vinaigrette should be kept cold after opening too. That's because their key ingredients—think things such as shallots and citrus juice—will go rancid without refrigeration.

Colavita Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

This bargain find is readily available in most stores and is great for adding a touch of acidity to a hearty tomato sandwich or a veggie-packed salad.

So the next time you're dressing a salad, reach for the balsamic vinegar–in the long run, not ingesting that extra fat and sugar makes a big difference!

The winner? Both are deserving of a place in your fridge's veggie crisper drawer because they both contribute to your five daily serves of veg and are versatile, low-kilojoule/calorie salad additions. However, baby spinach outperforms iceberg lettuce in terms of good-for-you micronutrients.

When eaten in moderation, spinach helps in reducing the risks of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and cancer. Although it is safe for most people to eat a bowl of spinach per day, you should be careful to eat it in moderation.

What's the healthiest way to eat spinach? ›

The nutritionist recommends lightly cooking the spinach. She mentions that lightly cooked spinach contains all the vital nutrients with limited oxalic acid.

Are spinach stems good for you? Healthcare professionals generally recommend consuming spinach leaves rather than the stems, as the leaves are richer in nutrients and have a more pleasant texture. While spinach stems are edible and offer some fiber, they may not provide the same nutritional benefits as the leaves.

Gently wrap fresh spinach in a paper towel to absorb excess water. Moisture speeds up the decaying process, so you'll want to keep it to a minimum. Place the paper towel-wrapped spinach in a storage container or bag. Seal the container tightly.

How Long Does Homemade Vinaigrette Last? Traditional vinaigrettes, like the balsamic version listed below, will last longer—sometimes up to a few weeks. However, anything with fresh garlic should be consumed within a few days, as the combination of garlic and oil can form harmful bacteria over time.

According to Reader's Digest, oil-based salad dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing, tend to last longer than mayo-based dressings. In general, these dressings can last for up to a few weeks (via Know Your Pantry). However, once they've expired, they will give off a noticeable rancid smell.

However, in the absence of emulsifiers, this unstable emulsion breaks down within minutes, and the oil forms a layer on top of the vinegar. For centuries, cooks have added natural emulsifiers, such as egg yolk, mustard, or honey, to help prevent this separation.