Winter Delight! Sweet & Fresh Spinach Salad Recipe
The Best Side Dish: Spinach Salad Made with Seasonal Winter Spinach
Create a delicious side dish with nutrient-rich and affordable winter spinach! Winter spinach has a natural sweetness that makes it incredibly flavorful, even without heavy seasoning. This spinach salad is so good it’ll become a staple. Try making this delicious winter spinach salad today and enjoy it with your family!
Main Ingredients- 600g fresh spinach
- A little red bell pepper for color (red is recommended)
- A pinch of salt for seasoning
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce for umami (e.g., anchovy or sand lance fish sauce)
- Sesame oil, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce for umami (e.g., anchovy or sand lance fish sauce)
- Sesame oil, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim the roots of the spinach, remove any yellowed leaves, and wash it thoroughly under running water multiple times until all dirt is gone.
Step 2
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a moderate amount of salt to help maintain the spinach’s vibrant green color and add a hint of flavor.
Step 3
Add the washed spinach to the boiling water. Use chopsticks or tongs to gently stir it around, top to bottom. Blanch the spinach for just about 30-40 seconds, until it wilts and becomes tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
Step 4
Immediately rinse the blanched spinach under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain it well in a colander, squeezing out as much water as possible. Cut the spinach into manageable lengths of about 3-4 cm. Properly squeezing out the water prevents the salad from becoming watery and ensures the seasoning adheres well.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the prepared spinach. The pungent aroma of garlic will enhance the spinach’s flavor.
Step 6
Finely chop and add a little red bell pepper for a beautiful pop of color. If you don’t have bell pepper, finely diced carrots work well, or for a touch of spice, try adding minced red chili pepper.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce for a boost of umami. You can adjust the amount based on the type of fish sauce you use and your personal preference. It’s recommended to taste and add more if needed.
Step 8
Drizzle in some sesame oil to add a rich, nutty aroma. The fragrance of sesame oil will make the dish even more flavorful.
Step 9
Now, gently toss all the ingredients together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds on top for a delicious spinach salad.
Step 10
Your sweet and delicious winter spinach salad is ready! Spinach enjoyed in season truly tastes special. Enjoy your meal!