Connect with us

Vegetarian Research

Easy Spinach Salad

Looking for a simple, veggie-centric side dish for Thanksgiving that doesn’t require an oven? This Easy Spinach Salad can be thrown together in about 10 minutes and is packed with nutrients. It’s a great everyday side dish to accompany lunch or dinner that’s also special enough for the holiday table.

platter filled with this easy spinach salad that is topped with apples, onion, cranberries and pecans

I know salad isn’t always the most exciting dish on the holiday table, but this Easy Spinach Salad is anything but boring! The baby spinach leaves are lightly dressed in a simple, homemade balsamic dressing and loaded with delicious salad toppings. This easy side salad is a great recipe to have in your back pocket for lunch or dinner, and it’s a perfect way to add some dark leafy greens to your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Spinach Salad

  • It’s easy to make – People are always fighting for oven space when preparing the holiday meal, so it’s always a good idea to plan for a few side dishes that don’t require any cooking. This spinach salad can be thrown together in under 15 minutes and requires just a few kitchen items to make; no stove is needed!
  • It’s fresh and flavorful – Don’t get me wrong, I love mashed potatoes and stuffing, but sometimes we need some dark leafy greens to cut the heaviness of the holiday meal. A big spinach salad is a great way to add that freshness.
  • It’s versatile – This easy spinach salad is great for the upcoming holidays, but it’s also perfect as an everyday salad to accompany lunch or dinner. You can even change the type of vinegar and salad toppings you use.

Box of baby spinach leaves poured into a bowl

Why Your Body Will Love This Spinach Salad

  • Digestion – Spinach is low in carbs and high in fiber, aiding healthy digestion. Fresh spinach contains about 2.2 grams of insoluble fiber per 3.5 ounces. This kind of fiber does not break down while moving through the digestive system, so it can help bulk up your stool and prevent constipation.
  • Immune Health – Dark leafy greens are high in antioxidants, which are known for helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Excess inflammation can lead to many illnesses, including cancer.
  • Blood Pressure – Spinach is naturally high in nitrates, compounds made of nitrogen and oxygen atoms that occur naturally inside our bodies. Nitrates are also vasodilators, so they help relax and widen blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and helps keep our hearts healthy.

simple spinach salad before and after it has been mixed with the dressing

Easy Spinach Salad Recipe Ingredients + Substitutions

  • Spinach – I like using baby spinach leaves, but regular spinach also works well. Baby spinach is a bit less bitter than fully grown spinach leaves. If you don’t like spinach, you can easily substitute your favorite greens.
  • Apple – You can use any type of apple you like for this salad. I used Honeycrisp because I like its sweet flavor and nice red color, which really pops in this salad.
  • Red Onion – If you know me, you know that I add raw red onion to all my salads. To tame the onion flavor, you can rinse the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
  • Dried Cranberries – I love the taste and texture of dried cranberries.  They’re chewy, sweet, and a little tart. Dried cherries or another fruit of choice can also be used.
  • Pecans – I used candied pecans because I love the sweet flavor and crunch they add. Any kind of nut, salted or candied, will work great.
  • Dressing – The dressing is really simple. It’s made with oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari (for a nice salty flavor), and spices. You’re more than welcome to use bottled balsamic dressing instead.

showing how to assemble this easy spinach salad recipe on a platter with toppings

How To Make The Best Spinach Salad Recipe

  1. If necessary, thoroughly wash and dry your spinach leaves, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari, granulated garlic, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together until the spinach leaves are coated with the dressing.
  3. Add the dressed spinach leaves to a large serving platter (or just leave them in the bowl if you wish), and then add the sliced apples, red onion, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and pecans.
  4. If serving at a holiday gathering, simply place the salad platter on the table with some serving spoons and enjoy!

close up of this holiday spinach salad

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

  • This salad is gluten-free.
  • Make this salad vegan by using a vegan goat cheese substitute or omitting the goat cheese entirely. 
  • Can this spinach salad be made ahead of time? It doesn’t take much time to make, and baby spinach can wilt quickly, so I wouldn’t recommend making it too far in advance. It’s a perfect recipe to throw together and eat immediately.
  • How long do leftovers last? Once the spinach leaves are dressed, they don’t stay fresh for long since baby spinach leaves aren’t super hearty.
  • How many servings does this simple spinach salad make? It makes about 2-3 large or 4-5 smaller servings. You can easily make a smaller or larger salad than is featured here.

Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP.

simple spinach salad on a serving platter

Looking For More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes?

5 Minute Dinner Salad

Best Easy Green Bean Recipe

How To make Easy Roasted Vegetables

Tahini Roasted Broccoli

Roasted Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese

Print

Easy Spinach Salad


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews


  • Author:
    She Likes Food


  • Total Time:
    15 minutes


  • Yield:
    4-6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a simple, veggie centric, side dish for Thanksgiving that doesn’t require an oven? This Easy Spinach Salad can be thrown together in just about 10 minutes and is packed with nutrients. It’s a great everyday side dish for accompanying lunch or dinner, while also being special enough for the holiday table.


Ingredients

  • 1 (5 oz) container baby spinach leaves
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or vinegar of choice
  • 1 teaspoon tamari, or soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs, I like to use the Green Goddess blend from Trader Joe’s
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 small thinly sliced apple, your favorite kind
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup candied pecans, or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste



Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash and dry your spinach leaves, if needed, and then place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add in the olive oil, balsamic, tamari, granulated garlic, dried herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper.  Gently mix everything together until the spinach leaves are fully coated with the dressing.
  3. Add the dressed spinach leaves to a large serving platter (or just leave them in the bowl if you wish) and then add on the sliced apples, red onion, goat cheese, dried cranberries and pecans.
  4. If serving at a holiday gathering, just place the salad platter on the table with some serving spoons.  Salad is best when served immediately after making because baby spinach leaves tend to wilt quickly once they have been mixed with dressing.  Enjoy!

Notes

This spinach salad recipe can easily be halved or doubled, depending on how many people you are making it for.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: Salad, Side
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

The post Easy Spinach Salad appeared first on She Likes Food.

Vegetarian Research

High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

If you’re craving enchiladas, this easy Mexican-inspired dinner will surely hit the spot! This Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s budget friendly, made with simple ingredients and great for a vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to add extra veggies and serve with chips, fresh cilantro and plain greek yogurt for even extra protein.

close up of vegetarian enchilada skillet in a bowl

We’ve been having unusually warm weather lately, but I’m still in winter mode, and even hoping for at least one more snow.  Our whole family had the flu last week and it was brutal.  There were a few days where no one even left the bedroom, and I certainly wasn’t doing much cooking.  Now that I’m feeling better, I’m catching up on my favorite comfort foods, and this Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is at the top of the list!  Each serving is packed with about 30 grams of protein, it’s easy to make and freezer friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet

  • Hearty and filling – This enchilada skillet recipe is packed with tofu, black beans and cheese making it a filling dinner that the whole family can enjoy.  Each serving has about 30 grams of protein, making it a great meat free balanced dinner.  Serve with a side salad or chips and salsa.
  • It’s packed with flavor – If you like enchiladas, you will love the flavor of this easy skillet dinner.  It gets loaded with warm seasonings and fire roasted tomatoes.   Make sure to use a well seasoned enchilada sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Made in One Pot – This recipe can be made in one pot using an oven-safe skillet. If you don’t have a skillet that can go directly into the oven, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and then top with cheese before placing in the oven.

showing how to break the tofu into bite sized chunks and cut the corn tortillas into pieces

Why Your Body Will Love This Cozy Meal

  • Blood Sugar Regulation – Black beans are high in fiber and protein, giving them a low glycemic index. This means they digest slowly and don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike or rise too quickly. This makes black beans a healthy choice for people with diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels more. They also keep you feeling full for a longer period of time since they digest slowly.
  • Protein – Tofu is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to build muscle and repair tissues. Tofu contains 10 grams of protein per half a cup, making it a great plant-based ingredient to incorporate into your diet.  Black beans are also a great source of plant based protein.
  • Bone Health – Tofu contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which play a huge role in ensuring you grow and maintain healthy bones. Tofu is also rich in isoflavones, which are compounds found in plants that can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis, among other things.

showing how to assemble and cook the skillet enchiladas with tofu and black beans

Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet Recipe Ingredients

  • Tofu – I like to use this high protein, super firm tofu that I get at Trader Joe’s.  I think that both Sprouts and Walmart have similar kinds.  If you can’t find super firm, extra firm will work great, just make sure to press as much liquid out of it as you can before using.
  • Black Beans – I used two cans of black beans, which equals about 3 cups total.  Black beans can be substituted with pinto or kidney beans, if needed.
  • Enchilada Sauce – I used red enchilada sauce, but green can also be used.  I like the Hatch brand of enchilada sauce, but any brand can be used.  The more flavor the better!
  • Spices – I also like to add my own flavors to make sure the tofu isn’t bland.  I added cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.  If you don’t already have those spices on hand, you could use a couple tablespoons of taco or chili seasoning mix.
  • Corn Tortillas – Yellow or white corn tortillas can be used in this recipe.  Flour tortillas can be used, but they tend to get soft and kinda slimy once mixed with the enchilada sauce.  The corn tortillas mix in nicely and hold their texture a little bit better.
  • Cheese – I like to use colby jack but any kind of cheese will work.  Add pepper jack cheese if you want some heat!

tofu and black bean skillet enchiladas before and after they have been baked in the oven

How To Make This Satisfying Vegetarian Enchilada Recipe

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  If not using pre-pressed tofu, press as much liquid out of the tofu as you can, and then use your hands to tear the tofu into bite sized chunks.  You can also use a knife and dice it into bite sized pieces.  Chop the corn tortillas into about 1 inch sized pieces and set aside. 
  2. Heat a large, oven safe, skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, tofu, tamari, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Mix everything together until tofu is coated with all the spices.  Cook until onion has softened and tofu is starting to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring a few times.
  3. Add in the diced corn tortillas and cook until tortillas are starting to soften, 2-3 minutes.  You can add extra olive oil in if you want your tortillas to brown a little bit.  Next, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.  Mix until everything is combined and allow enchilada mixture to come to a low simmer.  Add any extra salt, as needed.
  4. Add in the shredded cheese and mix until melted.  Top with the remaining shredded cheese and either place the lid on until melted, or place entire skillet in a preheated oven until cheese on top is melted, about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite enchilada toppings.

dinner bowl with high protein tofu and black bean enchiladas topped with fresh cilantro

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

  • This recipe is already gluten free, just make sure that the enchilada sauce you use is certified gluten free.
  • Make this recipe vegan by using a vegan cheese substitute that melts well.
  • Is there a substitute for the tofu?  If you’d rather not use tofu in this recipe, you can use crumbled tempeh, another meat substitute, or just double the amount of beans added.
  • Is this enchilada skillet freezer friendly?  Yes, this meal can be frozen before or after it has been cooked.  Use a freezer friendly, air-tight, container and freeze for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before heating, or heat from frozen.
  • How long do leftovers last?  If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.
  • Have a question I didn’t answer?  Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP!

A serving spoon scooping up some of the tofu enchilada skillet

Looking For More Vegetarian Dinner Recipes?

Mediterranean Tortellini Bake

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chickpea Pizza

Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice

Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Parmesan

Print

High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews


  • Author:
    She Likes Food


  • Total Time:
    45 minutes


  • Yield:
    4-6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re craving enchiladas, this easy Mexican-inspired dinner will surely hit the spot! This Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s budget friendly, made with simple ingredients and great for a vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to add extra veggies and serve with chips, fresh cilantro and plain greek yogurt for even extra protein.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sized yellow onion, diced
  • 1 (16 oz) package super firm, or extra firm, tofu (pressed if needed)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, yellow or white
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with most of the liquid drained out
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired



Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  If not using pre-pressed tofu, press as much liquid out of the tofu as you can, and then use your hands to tear the tofu into bite sized chunks.  You can also use a knife and dice it into bite sized pieces.  Chop the corn tortillas into about 1 inch sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Heat a large, oven safe, skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, tofu, tamari, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Mix everything together until tofu is coated with all the spices.  Cook until onion has softened and tofu is starting to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring a few times.
  3. Add in the diced corn tortillas and cook until tortillas are starting to soften, 2-3 minutes.  You can add extra olive oil in if you want your tortillas to brown a little bit.  Next, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.  Mix until everything is combined and allow enchilada mixture to come to a low simmer.  Add any extra salt, as needed.
  4. Add in the shredded cheese and mix until melted.  Top with the remaining shredded cheese and either place the lid on until melted, or place entire skillet in a preheated oven until cheese on top is melted, about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite enchilada toppings.

Notes

If you want to add extra veggies to this recipe, add them in at the same time you are adding in the onion and tofu.  Bell peppers, mushrooms or zucchini would be great additions.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: Mexican Inspired

 

The post High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet appeared first on She Likes Food.

Continue Reading

Trending