Try These 10 Tantalising Spinach Salad Recipes And Bid A Farewell to Boring Lunches

Most, if not all, of us, lead busy lives and have hectic schedules with endless responsibilities. That’s why we barely cope with the hassle of preparing lunch every day and always yearn for quick and easy ways. Moreover, no one wants to sacrifice a set of delicious meals to stay healthy; we all want the best of both worlds. For that reason, we’ve got you covered with an exciting alternative: the spinach salad.

Although there are many salads, not all of us feel satisfied with only a bowl of greens as a meal. Interestingly, spinach salad is here to break this stereotype and offer you a fulfilling colourful meal. This unique salad isn’t a modern invention; it’s a classic dish dating back to the 1700s.

Talented chefs worldwide have taken the initiative to revamp this salad, creating several succulent variations to pick up from. Besides, you’ll be reaping tremendous health benefits from incorporating this dark green veggie into your diet, not to mention its flavourful taste.

Do not just take our word for it; we recommend you give this spinach salad a try for yourself. Here’s a good number of different recipes from which you can choose the one most appealing to you. 

1. Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Adding crispy bacon to any meal instantly creates a comforting and satisfying experience. Most people like bacon and would happily add it to their salads. This big bowl of bacon and spinach salad is quite hearty, packed with flavours, and suitable for any mealtime. Plus, for those who love a little spice, the perfect kick is added to make your taste buds dance with delight.

Ingredients

• 8 cups of torn fresh spinach
• 3 bacon strips
• 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
• 2 tbsp of brown sugar
• 2 tbsp of cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 tsp of ground mustard
• 1/8 tsp of celery seed
• 1/8 tsp of pepper
• 1 tsp of cornstarch
• 1/3 cup of cold water

Instructions:

1- Cook the bacon over medium heat in a non-stick skillet until it’s golden brown and crispy. 

2- Place the slices of bacon on a paper towel to drain and remove excess oil. 

3- Toss the onions in the same skillet and sauté them until tender.

4- Combine the vinegar, salt, brown sugar, celery seed, pepper, and mustard. 

5- In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch until they’re smooth, then stir into the skillet and gently mix all ingredients.

6- Cook and stir for a few minutes until it boils and the mixture thickens. 

7- In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach and crispy bacon, then pour the mixture over them and combine. Serve and enjoy!

2. Apple Spinach Salad

The beauty of a spinach salad lies in its ability to pair well with sweet fruits, offering a bittersweet flavour and many health benefits. This meal is packed with lots of fibre and antioxidants, which are essential for your well-being. Thus, we urge you to give this combo a run and level up your salad game. 

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach
• 2 small apples
• half of a small red onion
• 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup of dried cranberries
• 3 ounces of crumbled goat cheese

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette: 

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp of honey
• 1 tsp of Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1- Start with the dressing. Toss all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and shake well to combine thoroughly. 

2- Add the spinach, chopped apples, red onion, dried cranberries, walnuts, and half of the goat cheese in a separate large bowl. 

3- Pour the dressing over and combine gently. 

4- Garnish with the remaining goat cheese, then serve and enjoy! 

3. Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Beets

You can toss more ingredients into your spinach salad and still taste as festive as it looks beets and goat cheese. They can effortlessly rest on a bed of spinach leaves, offering a simple yet fancy meal suitable for any mealtime. Adding the zesty vinaigrette dressing goes a long way in elevating the salad’s taste, giving you a refreshing delight with every bite you take. 

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of fresh beets
• 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp of honey
• 1 and 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 tsp of pepper
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 5 cups of fresh baby spinach
• 2 ounces of crumbled fresh goat cheese
• 1/2 cup of chopped toasted walnuts

Instructions:

1- Trim the tops of the beets and scrub gently, then cover them with water and place them in an oven.

2- Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, then let it simmer for 30 minutes or more until tender.

3- Remove the beets from the water and peel them, then place them on parchment paper. 

4- Add the vinegar, honey, mustard, pepper, and salt in a small bowl and whisk until they blend. Slowly add the oil while whisking to incorporate all the ingredients.

5- In a salad bowl, place your spinach leaves and add the dressing, then add beets, walnuts, and goat cheese.

6- Combine gently until they blend, then serve and enjoy!

4. Spinach Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

If you’re looking for a new spin to add to your spinach salad, look no further than this creamy yet scrumptious one to indulge in. This recipe is packed with sweet pears, feta cheese to add to its creaminess, and walnuts for an extra crunch. However, the real hero behind this palatable bowl is the balsamic vinaigrette, blending all the flavours in one bowl.

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces of baby spinach
• 2 sliced Persian cucumbers
• 2 sliced pears
• 1/2 small red onion
• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup of Greek yoghurt
• 1/2 cup of raisins
• 3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 tsp of Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp of honey
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1- Start with the dressing by mixing all ingredients: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, yoghurt, mustard, and honey. Whisk until they thoroughly combine.

2- Add the spinach leaves, pear slices, red onion, cucumbers, feta cheese, and walnuts in a large salad bowl.

3- Drizzle these ingredients with the dressing and sprinkle salt and pepper as needed. 

4- Serve and enjoy!

5. Spinach Pasta Salad

Spruce up your classic spinach salad by tossing some pasta and having a hearty meal. It’s a great way to enjoy carbs and get your iron requirements in a single bowl. This savoury dish also features healthy veggies that add an extra crunch and make your dish healthier, leaving no room for a bland salad dish. 

Ingredients:

• 1 package of farfalle pasta (or any type of pasta of your choice)
• 10 ounces of baby spinach
• 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese with basil and tomato
• 1 chopped red onion
• 1 can of black olives
• 1 cup of Italian-style salad dressing
• 4 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ tsp of garlic salt
• ½ tsp of ground black pepper

Instructions:

1- Cook the pasta al dente in boiling water with salt. Rinse under cold water, then drain and set aside.

2- For the dressing, toss the Italian-style dressing, lemon juice, garlic salt, garlic cloves, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together to blend. 

3- Add the pasta, spinach, red onion, olives, and cheese in a separate bowl.

4- Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and mix. Let it cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

6. Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad

As someone with a penchant for sweetness, you’ll absolutely adore this delightful spinach salad that simply gives off the spirit of celebration. Strawberries are a humble and versatile fruit, taking on different roles in the culinary world. They add sweetness to a rather bland salad bowl and bright colours. If you have an appetite for colourful food, this recipe is for you!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 3/4 cup of raw pecans
• 1/2 small red onion
• 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach
• 5 ounces of arugula (optional)
• 1 quart of strawberries hulled and quartered
• 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese 

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp of poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 tbsp of honey
• 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp of black pepper

Instructions:

1- Bake the pecans in the oven for a maximum of 10 minutes at 350 degrees F until their fragrance fills the air. Make sure you don’t walk away and let them burn. 

2- In a large bowl, add the sliced onions and cover with cold water until you prepare the salad. This will make the onions tender. 

3- Mix all the dressing ingredients in another bowl and keep whisking until they blend.

4- Add the salad’s ingredients together in a big salad bowl. 

5- Drizzle the dressing over your special spinach salad.

6- Drain the onions, then add them to the salad, pecans, and feta cheese.

7- Serve and enjoy!

7. Turkey Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing

Have you ever tried the turkey and spinach combo? If not, then now is the time for you to be enticed by this delectable combination, for you have been missing out on a lot. Consider the spinach salad we’re about to introduce as an oddly delicious secret you’re about to divulge.

Ingredients:

• 7 cups of fresh baby spinach 
• 1/4 pound of sliced deli smoked turkey (cut into strips)
• 2/3 cup of sliced baby portobello mushrooms
• 1 large hard-boiled egg
• 1/3 cup of sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup of walnut halves
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries

For the dressing:

• 4 and 1/2 tsp of olive oil
• 1 tbsp of maple syrup
• 1 and 1/2 tsp of finely chopped shallot
• 1 and 1/2 tsp of red wine vinegar
• 1 and 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
• 1 small minced garlic clove

Instructions:

1- Toss all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and mix well. You can place them in a shaker and shake them vigorously to blend well. 

2- Cut the turkey slices into thin strips, slice the egg and red onion, and cut the walnut in halves.

3- Toss all the ingredients together in a large salad bowl and blend.

4- Drizzle the dressing generously over your spinach salad, serve and enjoy!

8. Grilled Chicken Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard

Well, we have been introducing spinach salad recipes to inspire a healthy lifestyle and present not-so-dull salads. Another salad that has always been dominating the scene is the chicken salad. Now imagine a delightful combination of these two salads drizzled with sweet honey mustard. Quite appetising, isn’t it? 

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 breast halves)
• 2 tbsp of olive oil (plus 2 more tsp)
• 3 tbsp of honey
• 3 tbsp of Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp of white vinegar
• 1 mango, peeled and cut into cubes
• 6 ounces of baby spinach
• 1 medium minced garlic clove
• 2 small red onions
• Kosher salt 
•           Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp of sunflower seeds

Instructions:

1- Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into halves, then brush with oil and season with pepper and salt. 

2- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat in a grilling pan for 5 minutes on each side. Place on a plate and set aside.

3- Mix the honey, mustard, and vinegar in a small bowl. 

4- With the remaining oil, cook the garlic and onions until fragrant, then add salt. 

5- Place the mango and spinach in a salad bowl and coat with the dressing. 

6- Add the chicken and the sunflower seeds, then season with salt and pepper.

7- Serve and enjoy!

9. Balsamic Salmon Spinach Salad

Add a fancy spin to your spinach salad, including salmon drizzled in the balsamic sauce. This recipe is relatively easy. It’s also a perfect light meal that takes no time to prepare. Enjoy this spinach salad blow full of mouthwatering flavours, and sure to impress. Now is the time to elevate your spinach salad game.

Ingredients:

For the salmon:

• 4 salmon portions
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper

For the salad:

• 8 cups of chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 medium cucumber diced
• 1-pint grape tomatoes halved
• 1/2 small red onion sliced
• 1/4 cup of pitted kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. 

2- Season the salmon with a dash of salt and pepper on each side, then place in a baking dish.

3- Mix all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and blend well. 

4- Take only a third of the dressing and drizzle over the salmon, then bake for 15 minutes. 

5- Toss the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta cheese in the salad bowl.

6- Once the salmon is ready, add it over the salad ingredients, drizzle the rest of the dressing, then serve and enjoy!

10. Mediterranean Spinach Salad

By looking at the title, you can easily guess the rest of the ingredients tossed into this spinach salad recipe. This dish features the hallmarks of Mediterranean cuisine, including cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. We promise this spinach salad bowl is as tasty as it looks. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of baby spinach
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup of sliced radishes
• Black pepper
• 1/4 green onion
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese
• 10 Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup of minced parsley

For the dressing:

• 1/2 tsp of minced garlic (Feel free to add more)
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp of Sumac
• 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1- Drain the chickpeas from the can, rinse under cold water, then set it aside. 

2- Mash the garlic and salt together, then add the lemon juice, Sumac and olive oil and whisk until they blend.

3- Toss the chickpeas and drizzle with two tablespoons of the dressing in a shallow bowl. Set it aside and let them marinate for a while.

4- Meanwhile, slice all the vegetables you have at hand and toss them in a bowl with the spinach. 

5- Drizzle the dressing over the salad bowl, leaving a little for garnishing.

6- Add the feta cheese and sprinkle with black pepper, then add some more dressing. 

7- Serve and enjoy. 

It’s time to add some healthy greens to your daily diet, and we say that spinach salad is there to fulfil your dream. Not only is this leafy vegetable incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile, with a wide variety of recipes to keep you interested and excited about eating healthy.

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