Spinach Salad

Spinach salad has been my go-to when I want something that’s both incredibly nutritious and absolutely delicious. Today, I’m sharing my favorite spinach salad recipe that transforms simple baby spinach into a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a stunning side dish.

This isn’t just any ordinary spinach salad – we’re talking about layers of tender baby spinach leaves topped with colorful vegetables, protein-rich additions, and a perfectly balanced dressing that brings everything together beautifully. The combination of textures and flavors creates something truly special: the earthy richness of fresh spinach, the satisfying crunch of nuts and seeds, and the bright acidity of a homemade vinaigrette that makes every bite sing.

Whether you’re looking to add more greens to your diet, need a quick and healthy meal, or want to impress guests with something that looks as good as it tastes, this spinach salad delivers on all fronts. The best part? It comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours crafting something extraordinary.

Ingredients

For the Spinach Base:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

For Added Protein and Crunch:

• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

For the Homemade Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

this Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Perfect Spinach Foundation Start with the freshest baby spinach you can find – look for bright green leaves without any yellow spots or wilted edges. Wash the spinach thoroughly in cold water, then dry it completely using a salad spinner or by gently patting with paper towels. This step is crucial for a great spinach salad because any excess moisture will dilute your dressing and make the leaves soggy. Once dried, place the spinach in a large serving bowl, creating a beautiful green canvas for all your colorful toppings.

2. Create the Colorful Vegetable Medley While your spinach is getting perfectly dry, prepare your vegetables with care. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their sweet juices, slice the red onion as thinly as possible to avoid overwhelming the delicate spinach, and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces for the perfect crunch. The key to an exceptional spinach salad is cutting everything to similar sizes so each forkful has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

3. Toast the Nuts for Maximum Flavor In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your pine nuts or sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This simple step transforms ordinary nuts into something extraordinary – the toasting brings out their natural oils and creates a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates your entire spinach salad. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the dressing.

4. Whisk Together the Perfect Vinaigrette In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with the Dijon mustard and honey, whisking until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion. Add the balsamic vinegar and continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Here’s a little trick to make it even better – let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Assemble Your Spinach Salad Masterpiece Now comes the fun part – building your spinach salad! Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced cucumber to the bowl with your spinach. Sprinkle the dried cranberries throughout for bursts of sweetness that complement the earthy spinach perfectly. If you’re using hard-boiled eggs, arrange the slices on top along with the crumbled cheese for added protein and richness.

6. Dress and Serve with Care Just before serving, drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over your spinach salad and toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs. The goal is to coat every leaf lightly without overdressing. Finish with the toasted nuts and sunflower seeds for that essential textural contrast that makes each bite interesting and satisfying.

Tips & Variations

Spinach Selection: Baby spinach works best for salads due to its tender texture and mild flavor. If using mature spinach, remove the thick stems and tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Dress the spinach salad just before serving to prevent wilting.

Seasonal Adaptations: In summer, add fresh strawberries or peaches. In fall, try roasted butternut squash or pomegranate seeds for seasonal flair.

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to transform this spinach salad into a complete meal.

Cheese Alternatives: Try blue cheese for a bold flavor, fresh mozzarella for creaminess, or skip cheese entirely for a vegan option.

Dressing Variations: Substitute lemon juice for balsamic vinegar for a brighter flavor, or try apple cider vinegar for a different tang.

Storage Tips: Leftover undressed spinach salad keeps well for 2 days. Store dressing separately and combine just before eating.

The Art of Perfect Spinach Salad

What makes a truly exceptional spinach salad is understanding that timing is everything. Fresh spinach is delicate and can wilt quickly once dressed, so the key is having everything prepared and ready before you add the dressing. The contrast between the tender spinach leaves and crunchy elements like nuts and seeds creates textural interest that keeps each bite exciting.

The homemade vinaigrette is what truly sets this spinach salad apart from store-bought versions. The combination of tangy balsamic vinegar, smooth olive oil, and the slight bite of Dijon mustard creates a dressing that enhances rather than masks the natural flavors of the spinach and vegetables.

This spinach salad represents everything I love about fresh, healthy cooking – it’s colorful, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. The combination of sweet dried cranberries, tangy cheese, crunchy nuts, and fresh vegetables creates layers of flavor that develop with each bite.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond being delicious, this spinach salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Spinach provides iron, folate, and vitamins A and K, while the nuts add healthy fats and protein. The colorful vegetables contribute antioxidants and fiber, making this more than just a side dish – it’s a complete nutritional experience.

The beauty of this spinach salad lies in its versatility. It works equally well as a light lunch on its own, a sophisticated starter for dinner parties, or a healthy side dish that pairs with virtually any main course. The vibrant colors make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Final Thoughts

This fresh spinach salad has become one of my most requested recipes, and I completely understand why. There’s something so satisfying about creating a dish that’s both incredibly healthy and absolutely delicious – it proves that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.

The combination of textures and flavors in this spinach salad creates something that feels both light and satisfying. Each element plays its part perfectly: the tender spinach provides the foundation, the vegetables add freshness and crunch, the cheese brings richness, and the nuts contribute that essential textural contrast.

I hope this spinach salad brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t worry if you want to customize it with your favorite ingredients – that’s what makes cooking so wonderful. The basic formula of fresh spinach, colorful vegetables, and homemade dressing is your canvas to create something uniquely yours.

From my kitchen to yours – happy cooking!