~ Summer Spinach Salad / with Balsamic Vinaigrette ~
I am a spinach fan and always welcome new ways to enjoy it! I like using spinach in recipes, and I also enjoy using fresh spinach in salads. The idea for this salad came about when I had some left over watermelon on hand. Luckily I had just paid a visit to the local farmer's market, and among other things had purchased fresh spinach and blueberries. Mmm, my mouth was watering when I thought up this tasty salad. The sweet watermelon and blueberries were perfect together along with the crunch of sliced almonds, and tangy parmigiano reggiano cheese shavings. A light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette completed the blend of flavors.
Salads are such a great combination of foods, and it's good that they can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even the main attraction. With the heat of summer, and when not wanting anything heavy, it's nice to have a salad for lunch, or dinner and it be perfectly satisfying. This summer spinach salad definitely satisfied me and my taste buds! I prepared a basic Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette to go with this salad, it added a nice blend of flavors with enough sweetness to compliment the mix of spinach, cheese, almonds and fruits.
Summer Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
(Amounts to your liking, or)
Serving for 4:
(Amounts to your liking, or)
Serving for 4:
6 oz (approx 6 cups) fresh baby spinach leaves
2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
1 pint fresh ripe blueberries
1/2 cup Almond slices
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shavings or shreds
Directions:
Layer spinach, watermelon, blueberries, almonds and cheese on salad plate or bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Serve
~ ~ ~
My Basic
Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Olive oil
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. Honey
Directions:
Combine the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl using a whisk, or shake together in a container with lid.
-If not using right away, cover and refrigerate, whisk or shake again before using.
Enjoy...