Spinach and Mushroom Salad

Love is a salad: A simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Who would have thought that love could be found in a salad? This spinach, mushroom, and egg salad recipe is not only nutritious but also full of flavor, bringing together fresh and healthy ingredients. It is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish to a main course. Plus, it is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy days!

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 bunch of fresh spinach (about 200 g)
- 1 can of mushrooms (about 300 g)
- A few green onion stalks (just the green parts)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 50 g cheese (preferably semi-aged cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon (or to taste)

Preparing the salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the spinach leaves well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any wilted or damaged leaves. After washing, drain them well and chop them into smaller pieces. These green leaves are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron.

2. The mushrooms and green onion: In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the drained canned mushrooms and finely chopped green onion. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms become slightly golden. This step will enhance the mushroom flavor.

3. Boiled eggs: Boil the eggs in boiling water for 10-12 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. After boiling, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them. They will not only add a creamy texture to the salad but are also an excellent source of protein.

4. Preparing the dressing: In a small jar, combine the mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. Shake the jar well until you have a smooth dressing. This will add an extra freshness to your salad. If you prefer, you can also add a bit of honey for a sweeter taste.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the spinach leaves, sautéed mushroom mixture, and diced cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, garnish the salad with the sliced boiled eggs.

Serving suggestions:

This salad can be served immediately, but it is also delicious if you let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. You can serve it alongside a slice of toasted bread or even as a side dish with grilled fish or meat.

Nutritional benefits:

This salad is a healthy option, full of nutrients. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, while mushrooms provide protein and fiber. Eggs are an important source of high-quality protein, and cheese offers calcium.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
While it is better to use fresh spinach for its texture, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with various ingredients such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, or nuts for extra crunch. Each ingredient will add a personal touch to your salad.

3. How can I make the dressing more flavorful?
If you like a more complex dressing, you can add fresh herbs like basil or dill, or even a bit of crushed garlic.

Recipe variations:

- Tuna salad: Replace the mushrooms with canned tuna for an omega-3 boost.
- Quinoa salad: Add cooked quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Chicken salad: Add grilled chicken strips for an extra protein boost.

Calorie details:

A serving of this salad contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice for a light, nutrient-rich meal.

In conclusion, this salad, with all its colorful and healthy ingredients, is a true declaration of love, not just for taste but also for health. Whether you serve it at a romantic dinner or on an ordinary day, this recipe will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your chef's gloves and enjoy every step of this culinary adventure!