Warm salad with rice noodles, green spinach, and roasted vegetables

Warm salad with rice noodles, fresh spinach, and roasted vegetables

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-3

If you are among the salad enthusiasts, whether they are cold or warm, sweet or spicy, this warm salad recipe with rice noodles, spinach, and roasted vegetables will surely win you over. With a perfect mix of roasted vegetables and a pleasant texture of noodles, this salad is not only delicious but also extremely easy to prepare. Moreover, it is an excellent option for cool evenings when you crave something warm and comforting.

A brief story about salad

Warm salads have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cold salads. The combination of roasted vegetables and noodles, along with fresh spinach, creates a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. This recipe blends the ingredients in a way that stimulates the senses, bringing a touch of comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

- 150g white mushrooms
- 150g oyster mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 large carrot or 2 smaller ones
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 200g fresh green spinach
- A handful of arugula
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes
- 200g brown rice noodles
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Almonds, for decoration (optional)

Step by step: Preparing the salad

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing and drying the vegetables. Then, preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). In a small pot, add salted water and let it boil. Meanwhile, prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Cut the oyster mushrooms in half and the white mushrooms into quarters. You can slice the bell pepper and carrots into sticks. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Arrange all these vegetables on the prepared tray, sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Place the tray in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how roasted you want the vegetables to be. Tip: Roasted vegetables become caramelized and sweet, so don't hesitate to leave them a bit longer if you prefer a softer texture.

Step 2: Preparing the noodles
Once the water has started boiling, break the noodles in half (if you prefer a smaller size) and add them to the water. Boil for 6-8 minutes or according to the package instructions. Once done, turn off the heat and rinse with cold water to separate them and stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Assembling the salad
Once the vegetables are roasted and the noodles are ready, in a deep bowl, combine the fresh spinach, noodles, and warm vegetables. Add a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for a fresh taste.

Arugula can be added directly to the mix, or you can choose to use it as a decoration, forming an "arugula nest" on the plate. I prefer the decorative version because it looks wonderful and gives the salad an elegant touch. On top of the arugula, you can add a few cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and chopped almonds for a delicious crunch.

Serving and suggestions
This warm salad with rice noodles, spinach, and roasted vegetables is perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside a main course. It can be served with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional information and benefits
This salad is rich in fiber due to the vegetables and brown rice noodles. Spinach provides an excellent source of iron and vitamins, while almonds add healthy fats and protein. Additionally, it is a low-calorie option, making it perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli. Customize the recipe according to your preferences!
2. How can I make the salad spicier?
Add chili flakes or Sriracha sauce for a spicier flavor!
3. Can I replace the rice noodles with another type of pasta?
Of course! Wheat noodles or other whole grain pasta can be an excellent choice.

Possible variations
For a more sophisticated version, you can add cubes of fried tofu or grilled chicken. Additionally, a tahini dressing or soy sauce could add an Asian touch to this recipe.

In conclusion, this warm salad with rice noodles, spinach, and roasted vegetables is a delicious and healthy choice, perfect for any time of the day. I invite you to try it and discover how easy it can be to enjoy a meal full of flavors and textures! Enjoy your meal!