Fresh Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep Time
15 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
4–6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds or pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
For the Honey-Dijon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly.
Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the avocado if using.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine:
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk or shake until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add:
- Baby spinach
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Dried cranberries
- Almonds or pecans
- Feta cheese
Gently toss to combine.
Step 4: Add Optional Toppings
Top the salad with diced avocado and sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor, protein, and creaminess.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss lightly until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Spinach Salad
Use Fresh Spinach
Choose bright green, crisp baby spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor.
Dress Just Before Serving
Adding dressing too early can cause the spinach to wilt.
Toast the Nuts
Lightly toast almonds or pecans for extra crunch and a richer flavor.
Add Protein
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, chickpeas, or tofu make this salad a complete meal.
Balance the Flavors
The sweetness of cranberries and honey pairs perfectly with tangy feta and Dijon mustard.
Delicious Variations
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Add sliced strawberries and candied pecans for a sweet and refreshing twist.
Bacon Spinach Salad
Top with crispy bacon and a warm bacon vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Spinach Salad
Add olives, cucumbers, red peppers, and feta cheese.
Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
Mix in sliced apples, walnuts, and blue cheese.
Grilled Chicken Spinach Salad
Top with sliced grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed lunch.
Storage
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Prepared dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Packed with nutrients and fiber
- Fresh, colorful, and flavorful
- Perfect as a side dish or main meal
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Great for meal prep and healthy eating
This Spinach Salad is crisp, refreshing, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that make every bite delicious. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, it’s a healthy recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
