Spinach & Avocado Salad with Almonds
A fresh, vibrant salad that combines tender baby spinach with creamy avocado and crunchy toasted almonds. Tossed in a simple lemon-honey dressing, it's a light yet satisfying dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Toast the almonds.
1.Place a small dry skillet over medium heat.2.Add almonds and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.3.Transfer immediately to a plate to cool, then roughly chop.TIPWatch the almonds closely — they burn fast once they start toasting. Remove them from the hot pan the moment you smell them. - mix · ~1 min
Make the lemon-honey dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey until well combined.2.Season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk again until emulsified. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Place the washed and dried baby spinach in a large salad bowl.2.Add the diced avocado.3.Drizzle the dressing over the top.4.Gently toss everything together until the spinach is evenly coated.TIPUse your hands or two large spoons to toss gently — you want to avoid mashing the avocado. - garnish · ~1 min
Top with toasted almonds and serve immediately.
Scatter the chopped toasted almonds evenly over the salad. Serve right away while the spinach is crisp and the almonds are crunchy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach beforehand to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
- 2Dice the avocado just before assembling to keep it bright green and prevent browning.
- 3Toast the almonds until just golden (not dark) to unlock their nutty aroma without turning bitter.
- 4Use a gentle tossing motion to coat the spinach without mashing the avocado cubes.
- 5Serve the salad immediately after adding the almonds to preserve their crunch.
- 6If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep greens crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-Protein
Add 150g of grilled chicken breast or a handful of crumbled feta cheese to turn this light salad into a more substantial meal for lunch or dinner.
VeganVegan
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based sweetener that still balances the lemon's acidity.
Berry BlissBerry Bliss
Toss in a handful of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries for a pop of colour and extra antioxidants that pair beautifully with the lemon dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocados provide monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the spinach.
Good Source of Vitamin E
Almonds are a natural source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Packed with Iron
Baby spinach contributes plant-based iron, and the vitamin C in lemon juice enhances its absorption.
Low in Added Sugar
With only 1 teaspoon of honey for the entire salad, this dish is naturally sweetened and keeps added sugar minimal.
Frequently asked questions
No, frozen spinach has a very different texture and releases water when thawed, which will make the salad soggy. Stick with fresh baby spinach for best results.
