Here’s a dish that tries to be classy while still being incredibly extra. A fresh spinach salad, complete with a daringly rich coffee caramel panna cotta for dessert. Sure, it’s healthy, but why stop there when you can top it with a sweet, creamy indulgence? Think of it as balancing your life with the promise of indulgence after a somewhat responsible start. Why settle for plain salad when you can have this complex, eye-rolling combination? Get ready for the spinach to work its way into your well-balanced meal, followed by an absolute dessert bomb of coffee caramel bliss.
Spinach Salad with Coffee Caramel Panna Cotta
A nutrient-packed spinach salad, crowned with the irresistible combo of coffee and caramel panna cotta. Balance, right?
Ingredients
For the Spinach Salad:
- 4 cups fresh spinach washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coffee Caramel Panna Cotta:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp coffee freshly brewed or espresso
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
Instructions
For the Spinach Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion together.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mix.
- Sprinkle pine nuts and feta on top. Season with salt and pepper. Toss again.
- Set aside while you focus on the panna cotta (because, priorities).
For the Coffee Caramel Panna Cotta:
- In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in a tablespoon of cold water and let it bloom.
- In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add brewed coffee and vanilla extract, continuing to stir.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Pour mixture into serving bowls and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until set.
- Once set, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 350Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 30%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 6%
- Potassium: 8%
Additional Notes/Tips
- Panna cotta can be prepped the night before to save time and allow flavors to fully develop.
- Use a stronger coffee for a bolder flavor profile in the panna cotta.
- Add more toppings to your salad, such as avocado or olives, if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Don’t rush the chilling time for the panna cotta—it’s worth the wait.
