Summer Squash Salad

Embrace the flavors of the season with our quick and delightful Summer Squash and Spinach Salad, a refreshing medley that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This vibrant salad showcases the natural goodness of summer squash, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the earthiness of baby spinach, all elegantly brought together with a zesty vinaigrette. The magic of the air fryer is harnessed to perfectly roast the squash, adding a subtle depth to its flavor and enhancing its tender texture. This salad is a celebration of simplicity and freshness, offering a perfect harmony of colors, flavors, and textures that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a satisfying dinner, the Summer Squash and Spinach Salad embodies the beauty of seasonal eating.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound summer squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 ounces of baby spinach
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

PREPARATIONS

1. Start by tossing the summer squash chunks with 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a mixing bowl, ensuring that the oil coats each piece evenly.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F using the “Roast” function and press the “Start” key.
3. Arrange the prepared squash on the parchment-lined air fryer oven perforated pan, creating a single layer to ensure even roasting.
4. Air fry the squash for approximately 12 minutes, or until the chunks are tender and have developed a slight caramelized color. Once roasted, transfer the squash to a salad bowl.
5. Add the chopped sweet onion, halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and julienned carrot to the salad bowl with the roasted squash.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the agave syrup, extra-virgin olive oil, chopped jalapeno pepper, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create the zesty vinaigrette.
7. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

TIPS

• For a milder kick, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno pepper before chopping.
• Customize the salad by adding toasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING

• Calories: 182
• Fat: 8.5g
• Carbs: 25.5g
• Protein: 2.8g
• Sugars: 9.4g
• Fiber: 3.8g

In conclusion, the Summer Squash and Spinach Salad is a remarkable testament to the joy of seasonal eating and the art of creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and tantalizing to the taste buds. The combination of tender roasted summer squash, the burst of sweetness from halved cherry tomatoes, the crispness of julienned carrots, and the freshness of baby spinach create a well-rounded symphony of flavors and textures that dance harmoniously on your palate.

The air fryer proves its versatility once again by perfectly roasting the summer squash, giving it a golden hue and intensifying its inherent sweetness. This innovative cooking technique not only expedites the preparation process but also allows the flavors to shine through with every bite.

The star of this dish, beyond its ingredients, is the zesty vinaigrette. The blend of agave syrup’s natural sweetness, the robust tang of apple cider vinegar, and the kick from chopped jalapeno pepper create a vinaigrette that’s both invigorating and comforting. The mustard and lemon juice add layers of complexity, elevating the dressing to a delightful symphony of flavors that enhance the freshness of the salad’s components.

Perfect for a light lunch or as an accompaniment to grilled meats, the Summer Squash and Spinach Salad embodies the very essence of summer. Its vibrant colors mirror the lively ambiance of the season, making it an ideal addition to outdoor gatherings, picnics, and backyard barbecues.

From its inception in the mixing bowl to its final presentation on the plate, this salad embodies the beauty of simplicity and seasonal produce. With each forkful, you’re taking a journey through the tastes of summer, embracing the sun-kissed flavors that make this time of year so special.