Warm spinach and bean salad
Warm Spinach and Bean Salad features crisp green beans, earthy spinach, and crunchy walnuts, all enhanced by a zesty olive oil and garlic dressing. This simple yet nutritious dish is perfect for a light meal or side.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 cups green beans4 cups spinach
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp vinegar
2 garlic cloves
Warm Spinach and Bean Salad is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking for a light yet fulfilling meal. Combining the crisp texture of green beans, the earthy richness of spinach, and the crunch of walnuts, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures. The dressing, made from olive oil, vinegar, and garlic, adds a zesty touch that enhances the freshness of the ingredients. Here’s how to create this healthy and tasty dish in a few simple steps.
Instructions:
- Trim the ends off the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry.
- Roughly chop the walnuts.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts.
- Stir frequently and toast the walnuts for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
- Remove the walnuts from the skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the prepared dressing.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until it starts to wilt.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss together with the spinach.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Transfer the warm spinach and green bean mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the toasted walnuts and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Toss gently to combine and ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the warm spinach and bean salad immediately as a side dish or a light main course.
Warm Spinach and Bean Salad is a versatile dish suitable for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or part of a larger meal. Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent go-to recipe for those who appreciate the simplicity and goodness of fresh vegetables. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors and make it a staple in your healthy eating repertoire.
Warm spinach and bean salad FAQ:
Blanch the green beans for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender yet still crisp.
This salad is best served immediately after preparation. If you need to prepare it ahead, cook and store the components separately and assemble before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans, or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
You can use any vinegar you prefer, such as balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar, depending on your taste preference.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but note that the spinach may wilt further after storage.
Cooking Tips:
- For a quicker cooking process, consider purchasing pre-washed and trimmed green beans and spinach.
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor.
- To add a bit of protein, you can sprinkle some feta cheese or add grilled chicken slices on top.
- Serve the salad warm immediately after preparation to enjoy the combination of fresh and cooked flavors.
- Make sure the garlic is finely minced to ensure it spreads evenly throughout the dressing.
Nutrition Facts
6 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 4.99g
Sugar 3.61g
Fat 36g
More recipes
Fresh tomato, basil, onion and mozzarella salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing
A refreshing tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad with olive oil dressing.
05 May 2026Tomato basil avocado salad
A refreshing Tomato Basil Avocado Salad with a creamy dressing.
05 May 2026Baked pistachio crusted tilapia
Delicious pistachio crusted tilapia baked to perfection.
05 May 2026Beef and mushroom stroganoff with egg noodles
A hearty beef and mushroom stroganoff served over egg noodles.
05 May 2026Keto stuffed meatloaf with spinach, goat cheese and herbs
A savory keto meatloaf stuffed with spinach and goat cheese.
05 May 2026Burritos with black beans, cheese and salsa sauce
Quick burritos with black beans, cheese, and salsa sauce.
05 May 2026Roasted honey mustard pumpkin
Enjoy roasted honey mustard pumpkin for a sweet and savory side.
05 May 2026Lemony garlic mayonnaise
Zesty and versatile lemony garlic mayonnaise for all occasions.
05 May 2026