Hospitality Herald

A textural dance of crisp spinach, toasted walnuts, and bold flavour in every forkful.

The Story Behind It

This salad is inspired by the Mediterranean tradition¹ of balancing bitter greens with rich nuts and aged cheeses. Spinach — a cold-season green known for its subtle minerality — pairs beautifully with the toasty depth of walnuts, while a tangy vinaigrette lifts and binds everything together.

In Europe, walnuts have long been used to add crunch and nutrition to salads. Combined here with baby spinach and optional crumbles of cheese (like goat cheese or blue), the result is rustic and refined — perfect as a starter or light main.

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Spinach-Walnut Salad

Servings: 2 as a main, 4 as a side

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Ingredients

# For the Salad

• 150g baby spinach, washed and well dried
• 60g walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 small red onion (50g), very thinly sliced
• 60g goat cheese or blue cheese, crumbled (optional, but recommended)
• 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional for sweetness & crunch)

# For the Vinaigrette

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

#1 Toast the Walnuts

Place chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant (reason: Maillard reaction enhances their nutty flavour).
Set aside to cool.

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#2 Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified (reason: creating a temporary emulsion gives a smooth dressing that clings well to greens).

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#3 Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, gently toss spinach with half the vinaigrette.
Add red onion, cooled walnuts, fruit slices (if using), and crumble cheese over the top.
Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette just before serving.

Optional: top with a few flakes of sea salt or extra cracked black pepper.

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Plating / Food Presentation

Serve in a wide shallow bowl.
Layer ingredients so textures and colours (green, white, golden, purple) are visible.
Ideal as a lunch with warm sourdough, or as a side to roasted meats or quiche.

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Enjoy:

Crunch, cream, zest — enjoy this spinach-walnut symphony with every refreshing forkful. A salad that doesn’t whisper… it sings.

#LeafAndNutSymphony #SpinachWalnutSalad #SaladWithSoul #FreshGreensGlow #PowerSalad #SeasonalSimplicity #NuttyAndNice #EverydayGourmet #HealthyAndHearty #ElevatedEverydayEats

1. Mediterranean Tradition: Where Food Meets the Sea, Sun, and Soul
   
   Introduction:
   
   Rooted in centuries of culture, trade, and tradition, Mediterranean cuisine is more than just food — it’s a lifestyle. Stretching across Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, this cuisine celebrates simplicity, freshness, and the joy of shared meals. Think sun-ripened tomatoes, cold-pressed olive oil, fresh herbs, and the aroma of grilled seafood wafting through seaside kitchens.
   
   A Story of Coastal Living:
   
   Mediterranean food traditions are shaped by the bounty of land and sea. Life moves at a gentler pace here — meals are unhurried, ingredients are seasonal, and every dish tells a story of heritage. Whether it’s a rustic Greek village, an Italian vineyard, or a Lebanese souk, you’ll find food that brings people together.
   
   Key Ingredients:
   
   Olive Oil – The golden elixir of Mediterranean cooking.
   Garlic & Herbs – Basil, oregano, thyme, and mint for bold, aromatic profiles.
   Fresh Vegetables – Tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
   Legumes & Grains – Chickpeas, lentils, bulgur, couscous, and orzo.
   Seafood – Anchovies, sardines, prawns, octopus — fresh from the coast.
   Cheese & Yogurt – Feta, Halloumi, Ricotta, Labneh — creamy and tangy.
   
   Classic Dishes from the Region:
   
   Greek Moussaka – A layered eggplant casserole with minced meat and béchamel.
   Italian Caprese Salad – Tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil in perfect harmony.
   Moroccan Tagine – Slow-cooked meat or vegetables with spices like cumin and cinnamon.
   Turkish Mezze – Small plates like hummus, baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves.
   Spanish Paella – A saffron-infused rice dish loaded with seafood or meats.
   Lebanese Falafel & Tabbouleh – Crispy chickpea fritters and a herby salad.
   
   A Way of Life:
   
   The Mediterranean tradition isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about savoring, sharing, and nourishing the body and soul. It’s evening meals under olive trees, laughter over wine, and recipes passed down through generations.
   
   #MediterraneanTradition #TasteTheMed #OliveOilLove #SunSeaAndSpice #SoulfulEating #FreshAndFlavorful ↩︎