Savory Spinach Salad

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
2. 2.
   Blanch the spinach leaves in the boiling water for 1 minute.
3. 3.
   Drain the spinach and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. 4.
   Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach leaves and roughly chop them.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and salt.
6. 6.
   Add the chopped spinach to the dressing and toss until well coated.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad.
8. 8.
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. 9.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach leaves for only 1 minute to retain their vibrant green color and prevent them from becoming too soft.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed roasted peanuts or sliced almonds on top of the salad.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few drops of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add some cooked and cooled glass noodles to the salad.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and sesame oil according to your taste preferences.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Spinach Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It pairs well with steamed rice and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a Korean-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chilled spinach salad on a platter or individual plates, garnishing it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The vibrant green color of the spinach leaves will make the dish visually appealing. Serve it chilled to enhance the refreshing aspect of the salad.