Citrus Burst Cinnamon Spinach Salad: A Zesty Winter Delight

Looking for a salad that’s both refreshing and comforting? This Citrus Burst Cinnamon Spinach Salad is the perfect combination of bright, zesty citrus flavors and warm, aromatic cinnamon. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh spinach, especially during the cooler months when citrus fruits are at their peak. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion, from a light lunch to a sophisticated dinner party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Flavor Explosion: The blend of citrus, cinnamon, and spinach creates a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from spinach and citrus fruits.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal cooking and comes together in minutes.
• Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite nuts, seeds, cheeses, or proteins.
• Perfect for Any Season: While especially enjoyable in winter, the bright flavors are welcome any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces, washed and dried. Baby spinach is ideal for its tenderness.
• Orange: 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented. Navel or Cara Cara oranges work well.
• Grapefruit: 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented. Ruby red grapefruit adds a beautiful color.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
• Pecans or Walnuts: 1/2 cup, toasted. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor.
• Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup, crumbled (optional). Adds a salty, tangy contrast.

For the Cinnamon Citrus Vinaigrette:

• Orange Juice: 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, extra virgin.
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, ground.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste).
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach. Remove any tough stems. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.

2. Segment the Citrus: Carefully peel the oranges and grapefruit, removing all the white pith. Segment each fruit over a bowl to catch any juices. This prevents the segments from drying out and allows you to use the juice in the vinaigrette.

3. Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

4. Toast the Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans or walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently.

5. Make the Cinnamon Citrus Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, cinnamon, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The vinaigrette should be slightly sweet and tangy with a hint of cinnamon.

6. Assemble the Salad: Add the orange and grapefruit segments, red onion slices, and toasted pecans or walnuts to the spinach in the salad bowl. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese.

7. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, pour the cinnamon citrus vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make the spinach soggy.

8. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, keep the vinaigrette separate and dress the salad just before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Add Protein: Make it a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Try Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits like blood oranges, mandarins, or clementines.
• Incorporate Seeds: Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette for a subtle kick.
• Sweeten with Dates: Add chopped dates to the salad for extra sweetness and chewiness.
• Cheese Options: Instead of feta, try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for added aroma and freshness.
• Make it Vegan: Omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
• Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the individual components of the salad (spinach, citrus segments, red onion, nuts, vinaigrette) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving.
• Cinnamon Infusion: For a stronger cinnamon flavor, infuse the olive oil with a cinnamon stick. Gently heat the olive oil with a cinnamon stick over low heat for about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the oil cool before using it in the vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Burst Cinnamon Spinach Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• Side Dish: Serve it as a side salad with grilled fish, chicken, or pork.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch. Add some protein to make it more filling.
• Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party. The vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests.
• Holiday Salad: It’s a perfect addition to your holiday table, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Potluck Dish: Bring it to a potluck or gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser and always gets rave reviews.

Health Benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants.
• Oranges and Grapefruit: Excellent sources of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and protects against cell damage. They also provide fiber and other essential nutrients.
• Pecans and Walnuts: Good sources of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, which promote heart health and brain function.
• Olive Oil: Contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Cinnamon: Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Detailed Ingredient Information

Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Look for fresh, vibrant green spinach with no signs of wilting or yellowing. Baby spinach is more tender and has a milder flavor than mature spinach. Be sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.

Oranges and Grapefruit

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are known for their high vitamin C content. They also provide fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients. Choose fruits that are heavy for their size and have a smooth, firm skin. Navel oranges and Ruby Red grapefruit are popular choices for their sweetness and flavor. When segmenting the fruit, be sure to remove all the white pith, as it can be bitter.

Red Onion

Red onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the salad. To mellow the flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will remove some of the sulfur compounds that cause the onion’s strong taste. Choose onions that are firm and have a smooth, dry skin.

Pecans and Walnuts

Nuts like pecans and walnuts add crunch and healthy fats to the salad. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and aroma. You can toast them in the oven or in a dry skillet. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. Store nuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the citrus and the warmth of the cinnamon. Choose a high-quality feta cheese that is made from sheep’s milk for the best flavor and texture. If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the vinaigrette. Use ground cinnamon for the best results. You can also use a cinnamon stick to infuse the olive oil with cinnamon flavor. Be sure to use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor and aroma.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for the vinaigrette. It has a rich, fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients. Choose a high-quality olive oil that is cold-pressed and has a low acidity level. Store olive oil in a cool, dark place to prevent it from going rancid.

Honey or Maple Syrup

Honey or maple syrup is used to sweeten the vinaigrette. You can use either one, depending on your preference. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste, depending on the sweetness of the citrus fruits.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds a tangy, emulsifying element to the vinaigrette. It helps to bind the oil and vinegar together and adds a subtle flavor. Choose a Dijon mustard that is smooth and creamy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

• Calories: 250-350
• Fat: 15-25g
• Protein: 5-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 5-8g
• Sugar: 10-15g

A Note on Citrus Seasonality

Citrus fruits are typically at their peak during the winter months. This is when they are the sweetest and juiciest. However, you can find citrus fruits year-round in most grocery stores. When choosing citrus fruits, look for ones that are heavy for their size and have a smooth, firm skin.

Final Thoughts

This Citrus Burst Cinnamon Spinach Salad is a delightful and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of winter. The combination of sweet citrus, warm cinnamon, and crisp spinach is simply irresistible. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and versatile enough to be served as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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