The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
Profile Photo

Spinach Blueberry Salad with Polenta Croutons

5.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 51 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep:

Cook:

Level: Easy

System:

4
x

Print Options

Page size Letter 3x5 4x6
Text Size Small Medium Large
Content Include description
Include prep time, etc.
Show image

Description

This is inspired by my favorite smoothie recipe. Not the polenta. Just the spinach and blueberries. Talk about antioxidant heaven! We had this as an entree salad, but you could use smaller portions as a starter or a side dish.

Ingredients

  • FOR THE POLENTA CROUTONS:
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic. Pressed And Finely Minced
  • 3 cups Water
  • ½ teaspoons Salt
  • ¾ cups Fine Ground Corn Meal
  • FOR THE DRESSING:
  • 1-½ Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons Blueberry Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Mint, Chopped
  • ½ teaspoons Dry Mustard
  • Salt And Fresh Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
  • FOR THE SALAD ASSEMBLY:
  • 8 cups Baby Spinach Leaves
  • 1 cup Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
  • 1-½ cup Fresh Blueberries
  • ½ cups Light Crumbled Feta Cheese
  • 2 cups POLENTA CROUTONS

Preparation

POLENTA CROUTONS
In a medium nonstick saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute until softened, about 2 minutes. Pour 3 cups water into pan and bring to a boil. Add salt and slowly whisk in corn meal. Reduce heat to medium and whisk continually for 15 minutes or until thickened.

Lightly spray a 9×9″ baking dish with cooking spray. Pour thickened polenta into dish and place immediately into the refrigerator. Chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray (I used my mister). Remove solid polenta from refrigerator and turn out onto a cutting board. Use a lightly-greased knife to slice polenta into 1″ cubes and place them onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly brown (inside will remain lightly soft). Remove from oven and cool.

DRESSING
Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a large liquid measuring cup. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.

SALAD
Place spinach leaves into a large serving bowl or plate. Add dressing (to taste – you may not use all of the dressing) and toss to coat. Garnish the salad with onion, blueberries, feta cheese, and polenta croutons.

Nutrition Info per 2 1/2 cup serving: 255 calories, 8 g fat (5 g monounsaturated), 7 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber

No Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.

One Review

You must be logged in to post a review.

Profile photo of Rachel P.

Rachel P. on 9.13.2011

I have never been a fan of salads made at home…I never feel like they taste as good as the ones at restaurants! But this one changed my mind!!! LOVE it! and so easy too :o)

Related Recipes

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Profile Photo by Kendall Smith in Salads
This ultra Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad makes for the perfect healthy...
4.00 Mitt(s) 1 Rating(s)1 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 51 vote, average: 4.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 4 Level: Easy


Strawberry, Pine Nut, Feta Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Profile Photo by Lori Kemph | Mutt & Chops in Salads
Fresh strawberry, pine nut, feta salad with balsamic dressing. Creamy dressing...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 6 Level: Easy


Classic 7 Layer Salad
Profile Photo by Chanda | My Farmhouse Table in Salads
An easy and traditional salad for potlucks, holidays, and family parties....
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 16 Level: Easy


Kale Niçoise Salad
Profile Photo by Kendall Smith in Salads
A traditional Nicoise Salad on a bed of kale for an...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 2 Level: Easy


Seven Layer Salad
Profile Photo by Beth Pierce in Salads
This tasty Seven Layer Salad is a real crowd pleaser with...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 12 Level: Easy