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Spinach and Nectarine Salad in a white bowl with nectarines, basil and basil vinaigrette in the background.

Spinach and Nectarine Salad

lynn
This Spinach Salad with Nectarines + Basil Dressing is quintessentially summer. The tang of the nectarines plays perfectly with basil’s herby, subtle peppery, and minty taste. The salad is topped with crunchy, toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of earthy gorgonzola.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Vegetable + Salad Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 -6 servings
Calories 412 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5- ounce bag baby spinach about 5 packed cups
  • 2 ripe nectarines washed well
  • 4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or walnut pieces
  • Basil Vinaigrette

Basil Vinaigrette

  • 1 1/2 packed cups of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 small garlic clove cut it 2-4 pieces
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sherry or Champagne vinegar
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper

Instructions
 

Spinach and Nectarine Salad

  • If the spinach has not been washed, wash it well and then dry it. See Notes below for tips
  • Wash nectarines well.
  • Toast walnuts in a preheated 350°F (180°C) for 7-10 minutes. Watch them closely as they go from done to burnt in a NY second! Set aside to cool.
  • Add fresh spinach to a large salad bowl.
  • Right before serving, slice the nectarines into 12-16 thin wedge slices, and add them to the spinach.
  • Crumble the gorgonzola and walnuts over the top and drizzle with Basil Vinaigrette.

Basil Vinaigrette

  • Add all ingredients to the bowl of a small, high-powered food processor or blender and process until smooth, about 60 seconds.
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.

Notes

How to Wash Fresh Spinach
Many packages of spinach are pre-washed. However, if your spinach has not already been washed, you'll want to do that. Thoroughly washing spinach before using it in a salad is crucial to remove any dirt, grit, or potential pesticides. Here's how to properly wash spinach:
  1. Fill a Basin: Fill a large basin or clean sink with cold water.
  2. Soak the Spinach: Add the spinach and swish it around with your hands. This helps loosen and remove any dirt or grit that may be clinging to the leaves.
  3. Wait a Moment: Let the spinach sit in the water for a minute or two. This allows any remaining dirt to sink to the bottom of the basin or sink.
  4. Remove the Spinach: Lift the spinach out of the water and place it in a colander. Try to lift it from the water rather than pouring everything into the colander, as the latter can just redistribute the dirt back onto the spinach.
  5. Rinse: After removing the spinach from the soaking water, give it a final rinse under running water in the colander to ensure it's completely clean.
  6. Dry the Spinach: It's essential to dry the spinach leaves before using them in a salad, as excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. You can dry the leaves using a salad spinner, or by gently patting them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
Always remember to handle the spinach gently to avoid bruising or damaging the leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 412kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 10gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 472mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8g
Keyword nectarine, salad, spinach, summer
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