baby spinach salad with grilled onionstomato vinaigrette barbeque
Bob Cristaldi
Ingredients
- Baby spinach leaves: fresh and organic for best taste (keyword: fresh baby spinach)
- Grilled onions: sliced thickly to ensure even cooking (keyword: grilled onions)
- Cherry tomatoes: halved for a burst of color (keyword: cherry tomatoes)
- Red bell peppers: sliced thin, providing vibrant red color (keyword: red bell peppers)
- Caramelized shallots: finely chopped to add depth and sweetness (keyword: caramelized shallots)
- Barbecue vinaigrette dressing:
- Balsamic vinegar: for a tangy base flavor (keyword: balsamic vinegar)
- Olive oil: rich in healthy fats, enhancing the dish (keyword: olive oil)
- Honey: a natural sweetener that complements barbecue flavors (keyword: honey)
- Dijon mustard: adds a subtle kick and thickness to the dressing (keyword: Dijon mustard)
- Smoked paprika: for that authentic barbecue flavor (keyword: smoked paprika)
- Garlic cloves, minced: for an extra layer of complexity (keyword: garlic)
- Salt and pepper: to taste (keywords: salt, pepper)
- Optional toppings:
- Crumbled feta cheese: for a creamy texture and tanginess (keyword: crumbled feta)
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts: for added crunch and nutty flavor (keyword: toasted nuts)
- Grilled chicken or shrimp: for protein-rich options (keywords: grilled chicken, grilled shrimp)
By incorporating these SEO-friendly keywords into your recipe list, you can help increase visibility in search results and attract more viewers interested in healthy, flavorful salads.
Looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad to enjoy this summer? This grilled onion tomato vinaigrette barbecue spinach salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings or a light dinner. The combination of fresh baby spinach, caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy barbecue dressing makes it a delightful choice.
#### Ingredients
- **Baby Spinach**: 4 cups
- **Grilled Onions**:
- Large onions: 2
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste (a pinch)
- Black pepper: a few grinds
- **Tomatoes**:
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Beefsteak tomatoes: 1 medium, sliced into thin rounds
- **Barbecue Vinaigrette**:
- Olive oil: 3/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Barbecue sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: to taste
#### Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Preparing Grilled Onions
1. **Preheat the Grill**: Set your grill to medium heat.
2. **Prepare Onions**: Peel and slice the onions thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
3. **Grill the Onions**:
- Brush both sides of the onion slices with olive oil.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place them on a grill or grill pan and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown.
#### Making the Vinaigrette
1. **Mix Ingredients**: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. **Taste Test**: Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more of any ingredient to your preference.
#### Assembling the Salad
1. **Prepare Vegetables**: While the onions are grilling, halve cherry tomatoes and slice beefsteak tomatoes into thin rounds.
2. **Combine Ingredients**:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine baby spinach with grilled onions, cherry tomatoes, and sliced beefsteak tomatoes.
3. **Dress the Salad**:
- Just before serving, pour the barbecue vinaigrette over the salad and toss to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
#### Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Garnish with additional fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious grilled onion tomato vinaigrette barbecue spinach salad!
### Tips & Variations
- For a healthier option, you can use avocado oil instead of olive oil in the dressing.
- Add some sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Use different types of vinegar like balsamic or red wine for a unique twist.
By following these steps, you’ll create a vibrant, flavorful spinach salad that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for summer barbecues or any casual gathering!