Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You absolutely can! Prep the fruit, crumble the cheese, and mix the dressing the day before. Wait to combine everything and add the dressing and peanuts right before serving to keep the texture fresh and vibrant.

What other dressings would go well with this salad?

The balsamic-honey dressing is a standout, but you could also try a citrus vinaigrette, poppyseed dressing, or even a light raspberry vinaigrette if you want something different and fruity. Just keep the flavors balanced—tangy and a little sweet really works here.

What’s the best way to keep spinach from wilting?

Make sure your spinach is super dry and only dress the portion you’re serving immediately. Wet greens and sitting in dressing for too long are the biggest culprits behind soggy, wilted salads.

Can I use other greens besides spinach?

Definitely! Baby arugula brings a peppery kick, or blend with mixed spring greens for more variety. Just pick tender greens that let the fruit and toppings shine.

Spinach Salad Recipe

Name: Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 8 cups baby spinach; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 cup fresh strawberries; ¾ cup mandarin oranges; ½ cup feta cheese; ½ cup honey roasted peanuts

Looking for a salad that actually makes you excited about eating your greens? This Spinach Salad is downright irresistible—fresh, vibrant, and loaded with flavor in every bite. The mix of juicy fruit, creamy feta, crispy honey roasted peanuts, and a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing checks every box. What’s even better? It’s as easy as tossing everything together and takes just about 25 minutes from start to table. Weeknight dinner crunch? This salad’s got your back.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Busy Night Friendly: All you really need to do is whisk up the dressing and toss the ingredients. No cook time, no fuss, just fresh and easy.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite brings together sweet berries, sharp feta, crisp spinach, and crunchy peanuts—it’s a feast for your tastebuds!
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Everything in this recipe is easy to find and packed with nutrients.
Make It Yours: The base is fantastically adaptable. Whether you want more fruit, extra crunch, or to swap out the cheese, you can make this salad your own in so many ways.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Spinach Salad truly shine:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The backbone of the dressing, bringing richness and smoothness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet zing—don’t be tempted to swap this out, it makes the salad remarkable.
Honey: Lends natural sweetness to balance the tartness of the vinegar.
Dijon Mustard: Not just for sandwiches! This gives the dressing body and a bit of mild heat.
Garlic Powder: For that mellow, savory complexity without any sharp raw garlic bite.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors. Freshly cracked pepper really makes a difference.
Baby Spinach: The star green—tender, nutrient-packed, and the perfect salad bed.
Fresh Blueberries & Strawberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness. Slice the strawberries for easy eating.
Mandarin Oranges: Bright and tangy-sweet, these little segments add a pop of sunshine.
Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy crumbles that contrast beautifully against the fruit.
Honey Roasted Peanuts: The ultimate crunchy, sweet-salty topping. Trust me, you don’t want to skip these.

Tip: All ingredients, except for the cheese and nuts, are naturally dairy- and gluten-free, making swaps simple for different diets!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Salads are all about flexibility. Here’s how you can make this recipe your own:

Swap the Cheese: Goat cheese brings a tangy creaminess, or go for shaved Parmesan if you love a nutty flavor.
Change the Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or cashews all add different crunch and depth. Go with what you have.
Mix Up the Fruit: Add sliced apples, pears, or even pomegranate arils for a seasonal twist.
Extra Boosts: Toss in hard-boiled eggs, strips of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, red onions, or avocado for protein and richness.
Crunchy Toppers: For fun texture, sprinkle on some chow mein noodles or dried cranberries.

Note: If you need to tweak for allergies, just use seeds instead of nuts and skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Spinach Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Start by whisking all the dressing ingredients together—except the olive oil—until smooth. Then, gradually drizzle in the olive oil, whisking all the while. This gentle whisking is the secret to a perfectly emulsified, never-separating dressing.

Step 2: Prep the Fruit

Wash and spin dry all your fruit. Slice the stems off the strawberries and cut them into even slices for a pretty (and practical) touch.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Spread baby spinach across your serving platter or bowl. Drizzle with three to four tablespoons of your freshly whisked dressing. Next, scatter on the blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges. Sprinkle crumbled feta over top for a touch of creamy saltiness.

Step 4: Final Touches & Serve

Drizzle a bit more dressing if you like (go on, you deserve it) and serve the remaining dressing on the side for topping-up. Finally, just before serving, add those irresistible honey roasted peanuts so they keep their crunch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Gradual Oil Addition: Drizzling the olive oil in slowly creates a beautifully blended dressing that won’t separate on you.
Serve Dressing on the Side: Keep some extra dressing at the table. Guests can add as much as they wish, and leftovers won’t get soggy.
Add Nuts Last: Wait until you’re just about to serve before tossing on the peanuts to keep things perfectly crisp.
Use a Salad Spinner: Dry spinach makes a world of difference! Nobody likes a soggy salad.

How to Serve

This spinach salad is show-stopping enough to serve as the main event at lunch (just add grilled chicken or salmon for protein) or pairs beautifully with simple weeknight mains like roasted chicken, baked fish, or a light pasta. For a brunch spread, this salad really pops alongside quiche or frittata.

Tip: Serve on a large, shallow platter to display all those colors and layers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve tossed everything together and have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For the absolute best bite, keep the salad and dressing separate and only combine just before serving.

Freezing

Spinach salads don’t freeze well—the greens lose their texture. Stick to making it fresh.

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so there’s no need for reheating. However, take it out of the fridge a little before serving, so the flavors aren’t muted by the cold.

Note: Store extra dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge—it’ll keep for over a month and works on any salad or as a veggie dip!

FAQs

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You absolutely can! Prep the fruit, crumble the cheese, and mix the dressing the day before. Wait to combine everything and add the dressing and peanuts right before serving to keep the texture fresh and vibrant.
What other dressings would go well with this salad?

The balsamic-honey dressing is a standout, but you could also try a citrus vinaigrette, poppyseed dressing, or even a light raspberry vinaigrette if you want something different and fruity. Just keep the flavors balanced—tangy and a little sweet really works here.
What’s the best way to keep spinach from wilting?

Make sure your spinach is super dry and only dress the portion you’re serving immediately. Wet greens and sitting in dressing for too long are the biggest culprits behind soggy, wilted salads.
Can I use other greens besides spinach?

Definitely! Baby arugula brings a peppery kick, or blend with mixed spring greens for more variety. Just pick tender greens that let the fruit and toppings shine.

Final Thoughts

This vibrant Spinach Salad is proof that a simple salad can be just as crave-worthy as your favorite main dish. With its blend of colorful fruit, bold cheese, and that all-important crunch, it’s guaranteed to win a place in your regular meal rotation. Don’t be shy about customizing and experimenting—make it your own, and enjoy just how easy (and delicious!) healthy eating can be. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!