Looking for a vibrant and colorful dish that will steal the show at your next gathering? This Fresh Spinach 7 Layer Salad is just the thing! Layered with fresh spinach and a variety of tasty ingredients, it’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
This salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a light lunch. Each layer adds a unique texture and taste, making it a satisfying dish that’s both refreshing and filling. Whether served as a side or a standalone meal, this salad never fails to impress.
Delicious 7 Layer Salad with Spinach
The Fresh Spinach 7 Layer Salad stands out with its combination of vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. Each layer not only adds visual appeal but also contributes unique flavors and textures, making it a delightful option for any gathering. The crisp spinach forms the foundation, offering a nutritious base that supports the colorful toppings.
Layering is key in this salad, where every ingredient plays a role. The sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and bell peppers provide freshness, while the shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness. Red onion introduces a mild sharpness, balancing the richness of the bacon bits or chickpeas, depending on your choice of protein.
Preparation of the Salad Layers
Creating this salad involves a simple yet effective layering technique. Begin with the fresh spinach at the bottom of a clear glass bowl, which allows for an impressive display of colors as you build upward. Following the spinach, layer the cherry tomatoes, followed by diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and shredded carrots.
The addition of red onion brings a delightful crunch, topped off with crispy bacon bits or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. The visual contrast between each layer is striking, making the salad a focal point on any table.
Crafting the Perfect Dressing
No salad is complete without a dressing that ties all the flavors together. For this salad, a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. This dressing adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the crisp vegetables.
Mix the ingredients together until smooth, then drizzle it generously over the top layer of the salad before finishing with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. This final touch not only enhances the flavor but also adds an extra layer of richness.
Chilling for Maximum Flavor
After assembling the salad, it’s crucial to allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This resting period enables the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience. The cool temperature also makes it a refreshing option, especially during warm weather.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain its freshness. When it’s time to serve, gently toss the layers to mix the dressing and ingredients, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This vibrant salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a light lunch. Its colorful appearance will impress your guests, while the combination of textures makes it satisfying. You can customize the salad by incorporating seasonal vegetables or different proteins, making it versatile for various occasions.
Consider adding other ingredients like avocado, corn, or even nuts for an extra crunch. For those preferring a lighter option, swapping mayonnaise for a yogurt-based dressing adds a refreshing twist.
Nutrition and Serving Size
Not only is this salad visually enticing, but it is also nutritious. Each serving provides a good balance of calories, protein, and healthy fats, making it a guilt-free indulgence. With approximately 150 calories per serving, it fits well within a balanced meal plan.
This salad serves eight, making it an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, the Fresh Spinach 7 Layer Salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Delicious 7 Layer Salad with Spinach
The Fresh Spinach 7 Layer Salad combines crisp spinach, crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and savory toppings, resulting in a delightful taste experience. Each bite is an explosion of freshness, with the creaminess of the dressing perfectly balancing the crispness of the veggies.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bacon bits or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian option
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large glass bowl or serving dish, start by layering the spinach at the bottom. Follow with layers of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, red onion, and bacon bits or chickpeas.
- Add the Dressing: Spoon the dressing over the top layer of the salad, spreading it out evenly.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the dressing layer.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Toss the salad gently before serving to combine the layers. Enjoy your colorful and delicious 7 layer salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g