Spinach Salad

By admin 2/28/2026

This recipe draws inspiration from a 1970s spinach salad. It's everything a classy spinach salad should be with contrasting textures and flavors, described as the little black dress of salads suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale:
Units:
  • 2 hard boiled eggs OR 1 large crisp tart apple
  • 60g whole pecans
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 pinches kosher salt or flaky sea salt
  • 1 recipe Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 180g baby spinach leaves or chopped standard spinach
  • 1 shallot
  • 75g feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare hard boiled eggs (if using) and chop into bite-sized pieces.

  2. Heat pecans with soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika in a skillet over medium heat until bubbling; reduce to low and simmer 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until liquid evaporates and nuts clump together; transfer to parchment paper, sprinkle with salt, cool.

  3. Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette.

  4. Thinly slice shallot; slice apple if using instead of eggs.

  5. Arrange spinach on plates, then top with eggs or apple slices, smoky pecans, shallot, and feta.

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