Tasty Spinach Bundles Recipe with Pistachio Dressing
The culinary world is full of endless options and possibilities. And as an Israeli chef, I have been lucky to explore different flavors and create unique culinary experiences. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a recipe that will take your taste buds on a journey – the Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing Recipe.
This delicious dish brings together the goodness of fresh spinach leaves, green onions, and pistachios to create a meal that’s not only healthy but also looks good enough to serve at a fancy dinner party. The simple yet elegant presentation of the spinach bundles makes for an eye-catching and classy addition to your plate.
And when you add in the homemade pistachio dressing, things take an even more intriguing turn. Made with pure maple syrup, vinegar, honey, and orange zest, the dressing recipe provides just the right amount of zing and sweetness to complement the spinach bundles perfectly.
Whether you’re looking for something new to serve at your next backyard barbecue or impress guests at a formal dinner party, this recipe has got you covered. From its unique blend of flavors to its sophisticated presentation, the Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing Recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. So without any further ado, let’s dive into the recipe itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of boring, uninspired vegetable sides? Do you want to impress your dinner party guests with a dish that is both elegant and delicious? Look no further than these classy spinach bundles with pistachio dressing!
Not only are these bundles visually stunning, with their vibrant green spinach leaves and bright orange zest sprinkled on top, they’re also incredibly tasty. The nutty flavor of the pistachios pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey and maple syrup, creating a unique dressing that will leave your taste buds singing.
With just a few simple ingredients, including fresh spinach leaves, green onions, and vinegar, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply want to add some pizzazz to your weeknight meals, these spinach bundles are sure to impress.
And if you’re looking for ways to mix things up, try swapping in different ingredients for the stuffing. How about adding some shrimp or crawfish for a seafood twist? Or go for a caprese salad-inspired bundle filled with juicy tomatoes and creamy goat cheese. The possibilities are endless!
So why settle for boring vegetables when you can elevate your cooking game with these classy spinach bundles with pistachio dressing? Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing Recipe:
For the Classy Spinach Bundles:
- 1 bunch of fresh spinach leaves
- 2 stalks of green onions
- 1/2 cup of shrimp or crawfish, cooked and shelled
- 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pistachio Dressing:
- 1/2 cup of roasted and unsalted pistachios, shells removed
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup
- Zest of 1 orange
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- Berry Pistachio Spinach Salad:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
-
1/4 cup chopped roasted and unsalted pistachios
-
Cranberry Pear Spinach Salad:
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1/4 dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- Handful pecans, roughly chopped
For other variations:
- BBQ Chicken Skillet Pizza:
- Pre-made pizza crust
- Shredded BBQ chicken
- Diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro
-
Fresh mozzarella cheese
-
Caprese Salad:
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Basil
-
Cornish Game Hens:
- Cornish Game Hens
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
You can substitute or adjust ingredients based on your preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty and start making these Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing. Trust me, this dish may look complex, but it is actually quite simple to make.
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Green onions
- Pistachios
- Orange zest
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Honey
- Pure maple syrup
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, pure maple syrup, and orange zest.
- Add in the pistachios and stir until they are coated in the mixture. Set aside.
- Take each spinach leaf and fill it with 1 tablespoon of the pistachio mixture. Fold the spinach in half and then roll it up tightly into a bundle.
- Place each bundle seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and the pistachios are lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- While the spinach bundles cool, blend the remaining pistachio mixture with more olive oil to create a smooth dressing.
- Drizzle the Pistachio Dressing over the top of each Classy Spinach Bundle before serving.
This recipe is so versatile that you can swap out some ingredients for others if you wish to experiment with flavors while keeping its essence intact. Dress them up with fresh cranberry and pear slices for color or try adding shrimp or crawfish to give your meal protein without is being cloyingly rich like goat cheese.
Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with each bite of these classy spinach bundles pistachio dressing recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
– Nut-free: If you have a nut allergy, swap out the pistachios for sunflower seeds or pepitas. This will still give the dressing a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
– Vegetarian or vegan: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp or crawfish. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and a vegan-friendly cheese alternative or omit entirely.
– Go green: Add some extra green to your spinach salad by tossing in some chopped green onions or arugula.
– Fruitful: Instead of the cranberry pear spinach salad, try adding fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Alternatively, mix in some dried cranberries or apricots for a more festive touch.
– Caprese delight: Want something different? Try topping your “spinach bundles” with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves for a Caprese-style twist.
– Protein-powered: For added protein, top each bundle with grilled chicken breast strips or sautéed shrimp.
With these substitutions and variations, you’ll never tire of this recipe.
Serving and Pairing
These classy spinach bundles with pistachio dressing make for an elegant and refined dish that would be served perfectly as a starter at a dinner party or as a lunchtime treat. The luscious green spinach leaves bundled together with the pistachio dressing is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
To pair this dish with wine, I suggest choosing an acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance out the sweetness of the dressing. If you prefer red wine, light- to medium-bodied options like Pinot Noir or Merlot can complement this dish nicely.
If you’re looking to serve this dish as part of a larger meal, it is versatile enough to pair seamlessly with a range of meat or vegetarian entrees. For example, it can complement shrimp or crawfish beautifully, but it can also be served alongside goat cheese or Caprese salad. It transitions well into main dishes too – try it as a side with BBQ chicken, chicken skillet pizza, Cornish game hens, or even green goddess salad dressing.
No matter how you choose to serve it, these spinach bundles are sure to add some class and sophistication to any meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These spinach bundles with pistachio dressing are a great option for make-ahead meals. You can assemble them the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. This is a good technique for busy weekdays when you need dinner ready in a hurry.
To store leftovers, let the spinach bundles cool down completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to reheat the spinach bundles, preheat your oven to 325°F and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Depending on their size, they will take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to heat through. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven once they’re heated.
As an alternative way of reheating, you can also use the microwave, which will only take a few seconds depending on the power of your microwave. However, be careful not to overcook or dry out the spinach bundles.
Remember that this recipe is best served immediately after cooking for optimal taste and texture. But with these helpful tips for making ahead and storing, you can have a delicious meal ready whenever you need it!
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve perfect results with your Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing recipe, there are some simple tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, ensure that you are using fresh spinach leaves, which will have a crisp texture and vibrant green color. Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly and dry it completely before using it in the recipe.
When preparing the pistachio dressing, it is important to blend the ingredients slowly and steadily. This will help to create a smooth and creamy consistency. To avoid any lumps or inconsistencies in the dressing, scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed.
To infuse the dressing with a citrusy flavor, grate fresh orange zest into the mixture. Be sure to only use the outer layer of the orange peel, as the white pith can be bitter.
When assembling the spinach bundles, try to use evenly sized spinach leaves to make sure they cook evenly. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling on each leaf and then fold it into a neat bundle, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. Brush each bundle with a mixture of olive oil and vinegar for extra flavor.
For an added pop of texture and color, you can sprinkle some chopped pistachios over the top of each spinach bundle before baking. This will also add some extra crunchiness and depth of flavor to the dish.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing come out perfectly every time – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with delightful flavors.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I highly recommend you give this Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing Recipe a try. Not only is it delicious and easy to make, but it’s also perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and nutritious meal option. The combination of fresh spinach leaves and the savory pistachio dressing is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Whether you’re serving this recipe as an appetizer or as the main course, you can’t go wrong. With its versatility, there are endless options for substitutions and variations that will suit your taste preferences. Plus, the Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating tips provided will ensure that you can enjoy this dish at any time.
In addition to its great taste, this recipe offers health benefits that make it a smart choice. The low-carb recipe provides fiber, vitamins, and iron from the spinach leaves while the pistachios add a healthy dose of protein as well as cardiovascular benefits.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your green onions, fresh spinach leaves, and pistachios and whip up this amazing dish today! Trust me; once you try these Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing Recipe, you won’t be able to get enough. Now let’s get cooking!
Classy Spinach Bundles with Pistachio Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons chopped shelled pistachios
- 10 cups fresh spinach leaves (approximately 3 bunches)
- 2 green onions, tops only,blanched
Instructions
- Blend oil, vinegar, honey (or maple syrup) and orange peel; stir in pistachios and set aside.
- Place spinach in 2-quart microwave-safe container; cover with plastic wrap and vent.
- Microwave at HIGH (100%) for 3 to 5 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
- Rinse with cold water; squeeze to drain.
- Divide into 4 bundles.
- Wrap each bundle with green onion tie.
- Drizzle with pistachio dressing.
- Serve warm or chilled.