This Fruited Spinach Salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Tender fresh spinach leaves serve as the base, topped with chunks of juicy, tropical papaya and halved seedless grapes for natural sweetness. The dressing is a simple yet sophisticated blend of white wine vinegar, honey, and salad oil, brightened by a hint of dry mustard and finished with crunchy poppy seeds. It’s an international-style salad that feels both homey and elegant. The combination of earthy greens, sweet fruit, and tangy dressing makes it ideal for picnics, summer dinners, or as a healthy starter. Prepare it just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the dressing vibrant.
Fruited Spinach Salad
Description
This Fruited Spinach Salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Tender fresh spinach leaves serve as the base, topped with chunks of juicy, tropical papaya and halved seedless grapes for natural sweetness. The dressing is a simple yet sophisticated blend of white wine vinegar, honey, and salad oil, brightened by a hint of dry mustard and finished with crunchy poppy seeds. It&# 226;ÂÂs an international-style salad that feels both homey and elegant. The combination of earthy greens, sweet fruit, and tangy dressing makes it ideal for picnics, summer dinners, or as a healthy starter. Prepare it just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the dressing vibrant.Ingredients
Directions
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Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. Tear large leaves into bite-sized pieces.
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Peel the papaya, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into small, bite-sized chunks.
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Halve the seedless grapes if they are large, or leave small ones whole.
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the white wine vinegar, honey, salad oil, poppy seeds, and dry mustard until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
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Place the torn spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the papaya chunks and halved grapes.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently with tongs or large spoons until the greens and fruits are evenly coated.
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Serve immediately on chilled plates or bowls.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 305.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14.0g22%
- Saturated Fat 1.8g9%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 386.8mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 40.0g14%
- Dietary Fiber 11.5g46%
- Sugars 22.5g
- Protein 14.9g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best texture, prepare the dressing and cut the fruit just before assembling the salad to prevent the spinach from wilting.
If papaya is unavailable, mango or peaches make excellent substitutes for similar sweetness and texture.
For added protein and crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted slivered almonds or sliced pecans.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prep ahead, store the dressing and cut fruit separately from the spinach in the refrigerator and toss just before serving.
