Spinach Salad with Vinaigrette
A refreshing and simple salad featuring crisp spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a classic homemade olive oil vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and honey.
- Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified.
Assemble the salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach.
- Top with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and chopped walnuts.
Toss and serve
- Just before serving, drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the salad.
- Gently toss to coat all the ingredients lightly.
- Add more dressing if desired, toss again, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- 2Always add the dressing right before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
- 3Feel free to add other ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, or avocado.
- 4Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast, a hard-boiled egg, or a quarter cup of chickpeas per serving.
veganVegan
Replace the honey in the vinaigrette with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add some sweetness and color with a handful of dried cranberries or fresh apple slices.
quickQuick
Save time by using your favorite store-bought balsamic or red wine vinaigrette.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Olive oil and walnuts provide monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Excellent Source of Vitamins
Spinach is loaded with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and iron, which are essential for bone health, vision, and blood production.
Contains Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the spinach, antioxidants from tomatoes, and healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and walnuts, which are great for heart health.
