The crisp sound of fresh spinach being tossed with vibrant dressings can instantly brighten any kitchen. With a customizable twist on a classic, I’m excited to share the recipe for Korean Spinach Salad 2 Ways. Featuring both a traditional Korean Spinach Salad and a modern version with creamy avocado, this dish brings a nutritious punch that’s perfect for those busy weeknights or special gatherings. Not only is it a quick recipe to whip up in under 30 minutes, but it also keeps things healthy and vegan-friendly. Whether you’re in the mood for the authentic taste of Korea or a fresh avocado twist, you’ll find joy in both variations. Are you ready to give these salads a try and relish in their unique flavors?
Why is Korean Spinach Salad so special?
Nutritious Goodness: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, this dish delivers health benefits with every bite.
Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, this salad transforms fresh ingredients into a satisfying meal, perfect for busy schedules.
Two Unique Takes: Enjoy the traditional savory flavors or indulge in the contemporary twist with creamy avocado—both are equally delicious.
Vegan-Friendly: A delightful option for those seeking plant-based dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it as a light appetizer or alongside favorites like Scala Chopped Salad; it’ll complement any meal beautifully.
Customizable Flavor: Feel free to tweak or add ingredients, ensuring a personalized dining experience that suits your taste.
Korean Spinach Salad Ingredients
• Dive into the vibrant world of Korean Spinach Salad with these essential ingredients!
For the Traditional Salad
- Fresh Spinach – A nutritious base rich in vitamins A, C, and K; opt for organic for maximum flavor.
- Sesame Oil – Adds depth and a nutty aroma; substitute with toasted sunflower or avocado oil if needed.
- Soy Sauce – Provides umami flavor and saltiness, essential for that authentic taste.
- Rice Vinegar – Offers acidity to balance flavors; a key ingredient in traditional recipes.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavor profile; minced garlic works best, but garlic powder is a convenient substitute.
- Sugar – Sweetness to balance the dressing; this is particularly important in traditional variations.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds crunch and visual appeal; sprinkle generously for a delightful finish.
For the Modern Salad
- Avocado – Provides a creamy texture and healthy fats; for a protein boost, substitute with diced tofu.
- Lime Juice – Brightens the salad in the modern version, enhancing overall freshness.
- Chopped Green Onions – Adds freshness and color, making each bite vibrant and inviting.
- Honey – Offers sweetness in the modern dressing; consider agave for a vegan alternative.
Feel free to mix and match as you create your own take on this delicious Korean Spinach Salad!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Begin by washing 5–6 cups of fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Drain the spinach well and set it aside. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spinach and blanch it for exactly 1 minute until the leaves are vibrant green and tender.
Step 2: Cool the Spinach
Immediately transfer the blanched spinach into a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to sit in the ice bath for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the spinach retains its bright color and crisp texture. This step is crucial for the perfect Korean Spinach Salad.
Step 3: Drain and Squeeze
After cooling, gently remove the spinach from the ice bath and place it on a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This will prevent the Korean Spinach Salad from being watery. Once drained, set the spinach in a large mixing bowl while you prepare the dressing.
Step 4: Mix the Traditional Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. If you desire a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This flavorful dressing is the heart of your traditional Korean Spinach Salad, balancing savory and sweet notes.
Step 5: Combine Spinach and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the drained spinach in the mixing bowl. Using tongs or your hands, gently toss the spinach with the dressing until evenly coated. Ensure every leaf is dressed, as this enhances the flavors and gives your salad that authentic Korean touch.
Step 6: Serve the Traditional Salad
Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving platter or individual bowls. Finish the traditional Korean Spinach Salad by generously sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal, making your salad not only tasty but also beautiful.
Step 7: Prepare the Modern Salad
For the modern twist, rinse another batch of spinach and place it in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, the juice of one lime, and 1 tablespoon of honey. This dressing enhances the flavors of the Modern Korean Spinach Salad, bringing a bright and creamy dimension.
Step 8: Toss in Dressing
Pour the dressing over the fresh spinach and gently toss until the leaves are coated. Be careful not to crush the spinach; you want to preserve the freshness and crunch. This light dressing complements the spinach beautifully, setting up the next steps on your culinary journey.
Step 9: Add Avocado and Green Onions
Diced avocado and chopped green onions are integral to your Modern Korean Spinach Salad. Gently fold in half an avocado (diced) and 2-3 chopped green onions. These ingredients add creaminess and additional freshness to the salad, culminating in a delightful combination.
Step 10: Final Touches and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of your modern version of Korean Spinach Salad for an attractive finish. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the vibrant textures and flavors. Whether you choose the traditional or modern version, each bite is a nutritious pleasure waiting to be savored.
What to Serve with Korean Spinach Salad 2 Ways
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these vibrant salads with delightful companions that complement their fresh flavors.
- Grilled Chicken Slices: Juicy, marinated chicken adds heartiness and protein that perfectly balances the lightness of the spinach salads.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, jasmine rice allows the unique flavors of both salads to shine through, creating a harmonious meal.
- Tofu Stir-fry: Earthy tofu stir-fried with crisp vegetables enhances the vegan aspect of the Korean Spinach Salad while introducing varied textures.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a comforting contrast, enhancing the meal’s depth without overwhelming the refreshing salads.
- Spicy Korean Kimchi: The tangy, fermented kick of kimchi beautifully complements the fresh dressing, bringing a punch of flavor that’s undeniably Korean.
- Sesame Noodles: Chilled sesame noodles offer a unique twist, featuring nutty flavors that resonate with the sesame in the salads, creating a cohesive dining experience.
- Sushi Rolls: A selection of fresh vegetable sushi rolls pairs wonderfully, bringing different flavors and textures to the table while keeping the meal light.
- Chilled Green Tea: Refreshing green tea cleanses the palate and adds a soothing element to the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
How to Store and Freeze Korean Spinach Salad
- Fridge: Store the traditional Korean Spinach Salad in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days; the flavors improve overnight while keeping the spinach crisp.
- Modern Salad: Keep the modern Korean Spinach Salad covered in the fridge for 1-2 days. The avocado may brown but can be refreshed with a squeeze of lime.
- Freezer: Avoid freezing both salad versions as the texture of spinach and avocado will deteriorate, losing their vibrant appeal.
- Reheating: These salads are best enjoyed cold. If you prefer a warm dish, gently reheat the traditional salad in a pan, but be careful not to overcook the spinach.
Expert Tips for Korean Spinach Salad
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Fresh is Best: Always use fresh, crisp spinach to enhance the flavor and texture of your Korean Spinach Salad. Wilted leaves can ruin the dish.
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Chill for Flavor: Let the traditional salad chill for at least 30 minutes after mixing to deepen the flavors, making each bite even more delicious.
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Avoid Grit: Thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any grit. A salad full of sand can dampen even the best flavors.
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Separate Dressing: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the spinach’s crispness.
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Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the red pepper flakes in the traditional version according to your heat preference, ensuring every guest enjoys the dish.
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Mix It Up: Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, proteins, or fruits to personalize your Korean Spinach Salad and create exciting variations.
Korean Spinach Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Korean Spinach Salad—there are endless ways to enhance its flavor and nutrition!
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Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp or diced chicken for a hearty, protein-packed twist that will satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
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Nutty Delights: Incorporate walnuts or cashews to introduce a crunchy, nutty flavor profile that beautifully complements the fresh spinach. This variation adds a delightful surprise in every bite!
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Greens Switch: Swap spinach for a mix of greens like arugula or kale for a refreshing change; each green variety offers a unique taste and nutritional profile. Experiment and find your favorite greens!
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Fruity Sweetness: Toss in sliced fruits like mandarin oranges for a pop of color and sweetness, brightening the salad while providing a refreshing contrast to the savory elements.
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Spice it Up: Adjust the heat level by adding sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for those who love a spicy kick in their salads. This is where your taste buds get to experience some fun!
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Creamy Alternatives: For a dairy-free twist, replace avocado with creamy tahini dressing for a nutty and rich flavor that complements the freshness of the spinach.
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Dressing Variation: Experiment by using a ginger-soy dressing instead of the traditional sesame-based one for an additional layer of flavor that will delight your senses. This shift keeps things exciting in the kitchen!
For a zesty punch, consider pairing your salad with Salad Supreme Seasoning—it works wonders on your salads and adds an unparalleled flavor dimension!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Korean Spinach Salad ahead of time is a game changer for busy weeknights! You can wash and blanch the spinach up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it stays fresh and vibrant. After blanching, quickly transfer the spinach to an ice bath and squeeze out excess water before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator—this step helps maintain a crisp texture. Additionally, you can mix the dressings ahead of time; just keep them in separate containers until you’re ready to toss everything together. When it’s time to serve, simply combine the prepped spinach with the dressing, sprinkle sesame seeds, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home with minimal effort!
Korean Spinach Salad 2 Ways Recipe FAQs
What type of spinach should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Fresh organic spinach offers the best taste and nutritional benefits. Look for deep green leaves that are crisp and free from dark spots or wilting, as these will ensure your Korean Spinach Salad is vibrant and delicious.
How should I store the Korean Spinach Salad?
For the traditional Korean Spinach Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors may enhance after a day in the fridge. On the other hand, the modern version can be stored for 1-2 days, but the avocado may brown. A little spritz of lime juice can help keep it fresh!
Can I freeze Korean Spinach Salad?
I recommend not freezing either version of the Korean Spinach Salad since spinach and avocado lose their crisp texture and appealing flavor when thawed. If you must, prepare the salad fresh whenever possible to truly relish its delightful flavors.
What if my spinach is gritty or sandy?
Very! To avoid getting grit, wash the spinach thoroughly in cold water. Swirl it in a bowl to help dislodge any sand, and then rinse it again. For an extra precaution, consider soaking the spinach in cold salted water for about 10 minutes before rinsing—this helps pull out any hidden dirt.
Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Of course! This Korean Spinach Salad is naturally vegan-friendly, making it perfect for plant-based diets. However, if you’re concerned about allergies, be cautious with ingredients like soy sauce (which can contain gluten) and honey. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce and agave syrup in place of honey.
How can I adjust the spice level in the traditional salad?
If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. On the flip side, if you’re craving more spice, feel free to add in extra flakes to taste. For a fun twist, consider introducing some sliced fresh chili for an added kick!
Korean Spinach Salad: Two Tasty Takes for Fresh Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash spinach thoroughly under cold water, then drain and set aside.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add spinach, and blanch for 1 minute until vibrant green.
- Transfer blanched spinach into a bowl of ice water; let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain spinach and squeeze out excess water.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sugar.
- Pour dressing over spinach, and toss gently to coat.
- Transfer to serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Rinse another batch of spinach and place it in a bowl.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey.
- Pour dressing over fresh spinach and toss gently.
- Fold in diced avocado and chopped green onions.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
