Sicilian Spinach Salad with Sundried Tomatoes 🥗🍅

This vibrant and flavorful salad is inspired by the beautiful flavors of Sicily. It combines fresh spinach with the rich, umami taste of sundried tomatoes, crunchy nuts, and a zesty dressing that brings all the elements together. It’s perfect as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish to complement any main course. Enjoy this salad with crusty bread or paired with grilled chicken for a complete meal! 🍞🍗

Ingredients

For the salad

• 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

For the dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sundried tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and chickpeas.

2. In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine and ensure all the ingredients are well coated.

🥗 Feel free to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, especially if you’re using fresh ingredients.

Variations

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for extra protein, making it a heartier meal. 🍗🍤
• Nut-free: Omit the pine nuts and replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts. 🥜🚫
• Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. You can also mix them into the dressing for a fresh herb vinaigrette! 🌿
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free while still providing a creamy element.

🌞 This salad is perfect for meal prep! Store the salad components and dressing separately to keep them fresh throughout the week. Just toss them together when you’re ready for a wholesome meal.

Enjoy this Sicilian delight, and let your taste buds take a trip to Italy! 🇮🇹❤️