What are the ingredients for a spinach salad?

A traditional spinach salad usually includes fresh spinach leaves, thin apple slices, red onion, candied pecans, goat or pecorino cheese, dried cranberries, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. You can easily personalize it by adding strawberries, bacon, avocado, or hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and flavor.

What goes well with spinach salad?

This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. It’s also great alongside pasta, quiche, or hearty soups. Add crusty bread and a small cheese board for a satisfying meal. For drinks, try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or cucumber-infused sparkling water.

Is spinach salad healthier than lettuce?

Yes. Spinach offers more vitamins and minerals than most lettuce types, especially iceberg. It’s richer in iron, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while remaining low in calories—making it a more nutrient-dense option overall.

What should not be mixed with spinach?

Avoid pairing spinach with too much dairy if calcium absorption is a concern, since oxalates can slightly reduce uptake. Those on blood thinners should also moderate intake due to vitamin K. Acidic dressings may wilt the leaves, so toss the salad right before serving.

Can I put raw spinach in a salad?

Definitely. Raw spinach—especially baby spinach—is tender, mild, and nutrient-rich. It’s perfect for salads and retains more vitamins than when cooked. Just wash the leaves thoroughly before use.

Spinach Salad Recipe: Fresh, Nutritious & Delicious

Spinach Salad

Print Recipe

A refreshing spinach salad featuring crisp apples, candied pecans, goat cheese, and cranberries tossed in an apple cider vinegar dressing.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces fresh spinach
1 Gala or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
1 heaping cup Candied Pecans
2 ounces crumbled goat cheese or ¼ cup shaved pecorino cheese
⅓ cup dried cranberries
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Place spinach, apple slices, and red onion in a large salad bowl.
Add a portion of the apple cider vinegar dressing and toss gently to coat.
Add candied pecans, goat cheese, and dried cranberries to the bowl.
Toss again gently to incorporate all ingredients.
Add more dressing if desired and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 285
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 13mg

Keywords: spinach salad, apple spinach salad, goat cheese salad, healthy salad recipe

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/spinach-salad-recipe/