Sweet & Fresh Raw Spinach Salad with Winter Spinach
Recipe for Sweet ‘Seomcho’ Spinach Salad with Olive Oil Dressing
Discover a new way to enjoy spinach, a staple ingredient, beyond just stewing or boiling! Especially during winter, ‘Seomcho’ spinach is at its peak, featuring sweet pink roots and thick leaves that offer a delightful chew and subtle sweetness. Create a simple yet elegant salad with this fresh spinach. The gentle sweetness from the pink roots, combined with the freshness of the greens, will awaken your appetite, while the olive oil dressing enhances the overall flavor profile. We’ve included expert tips to make your salad truly delicious!
Salad Ingredients
- 3-4 roots fresh winter spinach (Seomcho)
- A handful of cherry tomatoes (about 5-6)
- Ricotta cheese (to taste)
Fragrant Olive Oil Dressing (Tablespoon Measurement)
- 2 strips bacon
- 1/6 onion
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.2 Tbsp sugar (a tiny pinch)
- 0.1 Tbsp fine salt (approx. 2 pinches)
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 strips bacon
- 1/6 onion
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.2 Tbsp sugar (a tiny pinch)
- 0.1 Tbsp fine salt (approx. 2 pinches)
- Pinch of pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The star of today’s salad is ‘Seomcho’ spinach! Characterized by its distinct pink roots and thick leaves, we’ll select three to four small, short roots from the bunch and prepare them. Choosing fresh ingredients is the first step to a delicious salad!
Step 2
Don’t discard the roots – they add flavor and nutrients! Scrape off the soil with the tip of a knife, thinly shave the root end, and carefully separate each leaf. This way, you can enjoy the subtle sweetness of the roots in your salad.
Step 3
When washing the spinach, it’s crucial to rinse it thoroughly under running water several times (at least 3-4 times) until no soil remains. After washing meticulously, use a salad spinner or drain it well in a colander to remove as much water as possible. Excess water can diminish the salad’s freshness.
Step 4
Now it’s time to put the drained spinach into the salad bowl. Place the small, compact leaves as they are. If the leaves are too long, break them into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 inches) with your hands. These pretty spinach leaves, resembling aromatic arugula, will make your salad visually appealing.
Step 5
For the accompanying ingredients, we’ve chosen colorful cherry tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese. For the dressing, we’ll use crispy bacon and sweet onion. These components can be omitted or substituted with other favorite vegetables or nuts you have on hand. Feel free to create your own unique salad!
Step 6
Finely chop the bacon and onion for the dressing. Heat a pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sauté the chopped bacon and onion until golden brown and slightly crispy. The bacon fat will help cook the onions.
Step 7
Transfer the sautéed bacon and onion to a bowl. Add all the dressing ingredients: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, a tiny pinch of sugar (0.2 Tbsp), about 2 pinches of fine salt (0.1 Tbsp), 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and a grind of fresh pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until well combined to create a delicious dressing. Ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 8
Now, let’s elevate the flavor of the spinach salad! Pour the prepared dressing into the bowl with the spinach. Gently toss the spinach leaves so they don’t bruise. Tossing the spinach in the dressing beforehand allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad much more delicious. Arrange the well-coated spinach attractively on a serving plate.
Step 9
While the salad is great on its own, for an even more appealing presentation, add pops of color with red cherry tomatoes and white ricotta cheese. The vibrant colors will make it visually delightful, and you can enjoy the fresh taste of each component. Crumble the ricotta cheese loosely over the salad for a natural look.
Step 10
Finally, to enhance the salad’s aroma and flavor, drizzle a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil over the dish. The subtle scent of olive oil will add an extra layer of sophistication to your salad.
Step 11
A unique aspect of this spinach salad is its ability to hold its freshness. Unlike many other salads, the spinach doesn’t release too much water. You can toss it with the dressing, refrigerate it, and enjoy it chilled for an even more delightful experience. The flavors will deepen beautifully over time, so it’s perfect for making ahead.
Step 12
Try making this special raw spinach salad packed with nutrition using fresh winter spinach! Its fresh and healthy taste will surely enrich your dining table.
