Baby Spinach and Figs Salad with Tamarind-Citrus Vinaigrette

I love spinach a lot because it complements a lot of ingredients: salmon, tomato, ricotta cheese, pecans, figs, just name it. This spinach salad showcases spinach in a unique way. It is easy to make and each mouth full is an experience. The dressing is an interesting one as it makes use of the fleshy juicy pulp of tamarind which has its roots in tropical Africa. The combination of tamarind with orange is explosive. This is one salad you will go back to over and over again.

INGREDIENTS

For Salad:

(1) Baby Spinach

(2) Dehydrated Figs

(3) Toasted Pecans

(4) Cherry Tomatoes

(5) Goat Cheese

For Dressing:

(1) The Flesh of 4 Tamarind Fruits

(2) 4 Tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice

(3) 1 Teaspoon Orange Zest

(4) 1 Teaspoon Mustard

(5) 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

(6) 3 Table Spoons White Wine Vinegar

(7) 1/4 Teaspoon Soy Sauce (Optional)

(8) Salt and Pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

(1) Plate Spinach and other salad components

(2) Place all the ingredients for the vinaigrette in a blender and process until emulsified. If you cannot find tamarind, you can use a simple citrus vinaigrette.

(3) Drizzle vinaigrette over salad. Enjoy.

Check out my Red Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette