Bright & Crunchy Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Looking for a refreshing spinach salad? Try my vibrant version with citrus vinaigrette, perfect for any meal or a light lunch. Deliciously simple!

May 15, 2025
By Chloe Patel.

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Bright & Crunchy Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Quick Hook

Oh my gosh, can i just say how much i love a good spinach salad ? it’s like bringing a burst of sunshine right onto your plate.

This bright & crunchy spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette is fresh, zesty, and oh-so colorful! seriously, it’s got that perfect flavor dance happening with the tartness of citrus and a little crunch from walnuts—that’s a flavor combo you won't forget.

Brief Overview

This delightful salad comes straight from the mediterranean kitchen where health and flavor are best friends. the vibrant mix not only looks gorgeous, but it also packs a nutritious punch.

It’s super easy to whip up—like, only 15 minutes of active prep —making it perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish at thanksgiving.

Plus, you can easily serve up to four people with this recipe!

Main Benefits

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff! this salad is loaded with vitamins from the fresh spinach and a nice dose of omega-3s , thanks to those walnuts.

It’s guilt-free and great for keeping your heart happy. feel free to bring this salad to your next holiday gathering or just enjoy it at home on a sunny afternoon—because who wouldn’t want a party on their plate?

What’s super special about this bacon and egg spinach salad is not just the flavors but also the versatility. you could jazz it up with some crispy bacon or add a little grilled chicken.

It’s your very own canvas! plus, if you’re dodging dairy, swap that feta for a vegan option.

This Spinach Salad recipe is not only delicious but also a great conversation starter. Imagine sitting around the table, friends munching happily, savoring every bite—good vibes guaranteed!

So, if you're up for an easy and nutritious dish, grab those fresh ingredients and let’s get tossing! I promise it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Bright & Crunchy Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (150g)
• 1 medium orange, peeled and segmented (about 100g)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (75g)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (25g)
• 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (40g)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (30g)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon honey (5g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Rinse baby spinach thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Peel and segment the orange, collecting any juice that drips.
• Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
• Thinly slice the red onion.
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
• Whisk until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the spinach, orange segments, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and walnuts.
• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
• Gently toss all ingredients to coat evenly in the vinaigrette.
• Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Bright & Crunchy Spinach Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Main Ingredients

Let’s break this down into easy bits. For our bright and crunchy spinach salad , you’ll need some fresh goodies.

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (150g) – Look for vibrant green leaves as a sign of freshness.
• 1 medium orange , peeled and segmented (about 100g) – The juicier, the better!
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes , halved (75g) – Go for plump ones.
• 1/4 cup red onion , thinly sliced (25g) – You want them to be sharp but not overpowering.
• 1/3 cup walnuts , roughly chopped (40g) – Fresh nuts are key for crunch.
• 1/4 cup feta cheese , crumbled (30g) – Opt for creamy and crumbly varieties.

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml) – Extra virgin is best for flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (15ml) – Fresh-squeezed is ideal.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml) – It adds that tangy kick.
• 1 teaspoon honey (5g) – A little sweetness goes a long way!
• Salt and pepper, to taste – These will elevate all the flavors.

Seasoning Notes

For this spinach salad, seasoning is where the magic happens. you'll want to sprinkle salt and black pepper generously. if you’re feelin’ adventurous, add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a little zing.

Don't have honey? You can swap it with maple syrup in a pinch. And if orange juice is MIA, lemon juice will save the day!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this salad, friend. Keep it simple!

• Large mixing bowl – To toss everything together.
• Whisk or fork – For whipping up that dressing.
• Sharp knife – You want clean cuts for your veggies.
• Cutting board – Essential for all that chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Gotta get those measurements right!

Honestly, this spinach salad is incredibly easy to whip up, and you won't need much more than your trusty kitchen tools. It’s a no-cook wonder that packs a punch of flavor!

Imagine tossing this salad alongside your bacon and egg spinach salad or serving it for a calm dinner on a busy weekday.

It’s the ultimate sidekick for a delicious meal. next time you have thanksgiving or a grinch dinner, remember this salad.

It's light but so satisfying!

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and equipment, and let’s make it happen. Your taste buds will thank you, trust me!

Mastering the Bright & Crunchy Spinach Salad

So, you're ready to whip up a bright & crunchy spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette ? awesome choice! this salad is not just colorful; it’s a flavor bomb that’ll brighten up any meal.

Trust me, even the toughest critics (like uncle bob at thanksgiving) will dig in!

Kitchen Prep: Let’s Get Organized!

First off, let’s talk mise en place . this is just a fancy way of saying, "get your stuff together." grab your ingredients: 6 cups of fresh baby spinach , 1 medium orange , cherry tomatoes , red onion , walnuts , and some feta cheese .

Rinse that spinach and pat it dry to keep things fresh.

Next, don’t forget to set yourself up for success with some time-saving organization tips . if you can, slice your veggies beforehand.

It’s like having a culinary assistant! and here's a little safety reminder : make sure your knife skills are sharp—pun intended!

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Magic Happen

1. Chop it Up : Start by rinsing the spinach. Then, segment that orange and slice those cherry tomatoes and red onion.

2. Whisk it smooth : in a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil , 1 tablespoon of orange juice , 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar , and a little honey—whisk it all until it's smooth.

   A good vinaigrette can really elevate your bacon and egg spinach salad !

3. Mix it Together : In a large bowl, toss the spinach, orange segments, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and walnuts.

4. Dress it Up : Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Honestly, it should be singing at this point.

5. Give it a Toss : Gently mix everything together, so the vinaigrette coats all those vibrant greens.

6. Top it Off : Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. I mean, who doesn’t love feta?

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Salad Game

Alright, here’s the scoop! for an even bacon spinach salad dressing , try adding some crispy bacon bits to the mix.

It’ll add that savory crunch we all love. also, be mindful of the critical temperature points if you’re adding grilled chicken—aim for that 165° f sweet spot!

Don’t forget: if you can, prep the vinaigrette ahead of time. it keeps well in the fridge for a week.

And, a small mistake folks make? overdressing! start light, and you can always add more.

Wrap it Up: Your Go-To Salad

This spinach salad is the star of the show, whether you’re prepping for a cozy dinner or a big Grinch dinner party! It’s easy, full of flavor, and honestly, how could you not love a salad that looks so good?

Give this salad a go, and maybe pair it with that homemade balsamic dressing everyone’s raving about. you'll have a dish that packs a punch, and the best part? it's totally easy to whip up, even for beginner cooks.

So grab those ingredients and make it your own! enjoy, friend!

Recipe Notes for Spinach Salad

Serving Suggestions

Okay, let’s talk presentation . when you plate this spinach salad , think bright colors! layer those vibrant greens with juicy orange segments and crimson cherry tomatoes.

A sprinkle of feta cheese on top? yes, please! it’s like a rainbow on your plate! honestly, if you’re feeling extra, serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for that instagram-worthy twist.

How about a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc to wash it down? you know you want to!

Storage Tips

Now, if you have leftovers (which is a rarity, but hey, we’re real here), store your spinach salad in the fridge in an airtight container.

Just keep in mind, it’s best to eat it within 1-2 days because nobody wants a soggy salad! if you’re thinking about freezing it, skip it.

Spinach doesn't play nice in the freezer. just reheat any protein you added, like grilled chicken, separately. let me tell you, a quick zap in the microwave or a sizzle on the stovetop works wonders!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? swap out those oranges for some sliced strawberries or apples. it gives the salad a whole new vibe! if you're into creamy textures, throw in some avocado or maybe go for a warm bacon topping.

You can also try a lovely pecan salad recipe—who doesn’t love some crunchy pecans in a salad? and for the health nuts, add quinoa to pump up the protein!

Nutrition Basics

Now for the health side! this spinach salad brings a lot to the table. think about it: vitamins a and c, plus a nice boost of fiber—your digestive system will thank you! you get all this yummy goodness without breaking the calorie bank; it's around 210 calories per serving.

Talk about winning!

Conclusion

Whip up this spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette any time of year! whether you’re prepping for a festive thanksgiving feast or a casual summer lunch, it's your go-to.

Healthy, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. you got this! enjoy, and remember, cooking should always be fun—throw on your favorite tunes and dance it out in the kitchen while you toss that salad!