Spinach Salad in Parmesan Frico Cups Giada De Laurentiis

Elevate your salad game with Giada De Laurentiis' show-stopping Spinach Salad in Parmesan Frico Cups! This elegant recipe combines the crisp, nutty richness of homemade Parmesan cheese cups with the refreshing vibrancy of a baby spinach salad. Juicy cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette bring a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making every bite a delight. The Parmesan frico cups not only serve as an edible bowl but also add a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness to each serving. Ideal for impressing guests at a dinner party or adding a sophisticated touch to a weeknight meal, this recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 cups Baby spinach
• 1 cup Cherry or grape tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 3

Measure 1/4 cup piles of grated Parmesan cheese onto the baking sheet and flatten them into 4- to 5-inch circles, leaving space between each pile.

Step 4

Bake the Parmesan rounds for 5–6 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Step 5

Quickly remove the Parmesan rounds from the baking sheet using a spatula and drape them over upside-down muffin tin cups to form a bowl shape. Let them cool completely to crisp up.

Step 6

While the frico cups cool, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 9

Place the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Step 10

Once the Parmesan frico cups are completely cool and firm, fill each cup with the spinach salad mixture.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy cups paired with the fresh, tangy salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(585.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1357.7

Total Fat 115.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.5g
Cholesterol 160mg	0%
Sodium 4253.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.6g
Protein 73.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1926.8mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 597.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.7%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 6.6%