Spinach Pear and Feta Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is baby spinach the same as spinach? ›

Baby spinach is harvested only 15-35 days after planting. The smaller leaves are more tender and have a sweeter flavor than those of mature spinach. The stems are also more tender, making them ideal for salads. The nutrition values of baby spinach and mature spinach are basically the same.

This simple Greek salad recipe, or Horiatiki, keeps things traditional. No need to fuss with a dressing, just toss ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, onion, olives with good olive oil and red wine vinegar, top with tangy feta cheese, and you're all set! Serve as a quick and easy first course or side salad.

When eaten in moderation, spinach helps in reducing the risks of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and cancer. Although it is safe for most people to eat a bowl of spinach per day, you should be careful to eat it in moderation.

The high potassium levels in spinach (two-thirds of a cup has close to 600 milligrams) relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. “Potassium also helps your kidneys get rid of extra sodium,” says Kopp. “High blood pressure and excess sodium can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.”

French Feta is made with Lacaune sheep's milk (if you remember, that's the sheep breed used for Roquefort production). It has a softer and creamier texture that Greek Feta and a milder, less tangy flavor (though it's sharper than Israeli Feta).

This is the stuff that you see most frequently. Greek feta is briny, tangy, and sharp, and the fine texture makes it perfect to crumble in salads, sprinkle on cold soups, or toss into some rigatoni with sausage, beans, and greens.

When it comes to cheese, feta is a healthy choice. Not only is it packed with protein and fat – both essential nutrients for helping you to feel full and energised – it's also good for your gut. Probiotic yeasts in feta may lower the PH in your stomach, which is key for a healthy gut.

Baby spinach tends to turn slimy and mushy when cooked. Regular spinach keeps a more palatable texture. If you're looking for a more flavorful option, choose regular spinach.

Varieties of Spinach

The savoy types are preferred for the home garden and fresh market use because they look and taste better, keep longer and have less oxalic acid (which can interfere with the utilization of calcium or magnesium in the diet) than smooth leaf types. Semi-savoy types have lightly crinkled leaves.

Spinach is good for health due to its rich nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports overall well-being, promoting healthy skin, bones, and a strong immune system, while also aiding in digestion and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

What is the healthiest way to eat spinach? ›

A study found that cooking spinach quickly in boiling water, then plunging it into cold water, reduced oxalate content by 40 percent, on average, which was more effective than pan or pressure cooking.