Spinach Salad with Pesto Dressing

This spinach salad with pesto dressing is simply delish!

Recently, this salad reminded me of the story, “The Little Engine That Could”.

In the book, the first engine trying to get over the mountain is bringing many things to the boys and girls on the other side, including… spinach. For some reason, this has always stuck out to me in this story. I’m not exactly sure why, except that now, thanks to Mini Chef, I have a bit more to add to the story.

In the story, the first engine that the dolls and toys come across is rather arrogant and refuses to take them across the mountain because he thinks he’s too good for towing a small engine.

In the picture illustrated for that particular part of the story, it shows the toys, particularly the dolls, being very upset because he won’t tow them over the mountain.

I finished reading this part of the story to Mini Chef, and just before I turned the page, he pointed to one of the dolls and said:

….and then SHE said, “He has ISSUES!”

To say I nearly dropped the book is a complete understatement. In fact, that comment warranted a phone call to grandma to tell her what he had said. Both of us sat on the phone line cackling for a good 10 minutes.

So now, instead of this salad reminding me of the story, the story reminds me of a train with “issues”.

Ahhh, the joys of motherhood…

MORE HEALTHY SALAD RECIPES:

• Arugula Salad
• Chicken Apple Salad
• Endive Salad

RECIPES USED:

• Homemade Basil Pesto

SPINACH SALAD WITH PESTO DRESSING RECIPE:

Spinach Salad with Pesto Dressing

A wonderful side salad with Italian flare!

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Course: Appetizer, Salad, Salad Dressing

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 65kcal

Author: Tiffany McCauley

Ingredients

SALAD INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups raw spinach leaves (tightly packed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ½ cup red bell pepper (chopped)

DRESSING INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. pesto (prepared or homemade - see link above)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Prepare salad by combining the spinach, tomatoes and bell pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
• Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl and pour over salad.
• Dressing recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if desired. Note that nutrition data will vary based on pesto used.
  

Notes

Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5the recipe | Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 408mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4395IU | Vitamin C: 73mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1.5mg