The best spinach salad recipes feature a mix of cheese, nuts, and fruits. Learn how to toss and dress a spinach salad.


How to Make Spinach Salad With Vinaigrette Dressing

Baby spinach is a popular salad green that’s more delicate than full-grown [spinach](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/all-about-the-spinach-superfood) and heftier than lettuce. The slight bitterness of spinach pairs well with strong flavors like cheese, berries, nuts, and a punchy vinaigrette. Spinach won't wilt immediately, which makes it an excellent choice for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike.

Making a delicious spinach salad is all about choosing the right ingredients. Consider including these add-ins:

1. __Vinaigrette__: Make a vinaigrette using <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide","linkCopy":"extra virgin olive oil","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>extra virgin olive oil</a>. You can also try red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for a fruity punch, lemon juice for acidity. A spoonful of Dijon mustard will help your salad dressing emulsify, and maple syrup or honey can add a touch of sweetness. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
2. __Cheese__: Strong cheeses like feta cheese, goat cheese, and [blue cheese](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/blue-cheese-guide) pair nicely with spinach salad and balance the slight bitterness of the greens.
3. __Nuts__: Add a nutty flavor with toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts. You can candy the nuts by cooking them in a pan with sugar or honey to add sweetness and extra crunch.
4. __Fruit__: Fresh strawberries in a spinach salad make for a classic combination. You can also use mandarin oranges, apples, or even dried cranberries. 
5. __Protein__: Add sliced grilled chicken breasts, quinoa, and/or chickpeas to make your salad the main course.
The best spinach salad recipes feature a mix of cheese, nuts, and fruits. Learn how to toss and dress a spinach salad.

Baby spinach is a popular salad green that’s more delicate than full-grown <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/all-about-the-spinach-superfood' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/all-about-the-spinach-superfood","linkCopy":"spinach","category":null}'>spinach</a> and heftier than lettuce. The slight bitterness of spinach pairs well with strong flavors like cheese, berries, nuts, and a punchy vinaigrette. Spinach won&#39;t wilt immediately, which makes it an excellent choice for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike.

What Is Spinach Salad? 

Making a delicious spinach salad is all about choosing the right ingredients. Consider including these add-ins:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Vinaigrette: Make a vinaigrette using <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide","linkCopy":"extra virgin olive oil","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>extra virgin olive oil</a>. You can also try red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for a fruity punch, lemon juice for acidity. A spoonful of Dijon mustard will help your salad dressing emulsify, and maple syrup or honey can add a touch of sweetness. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Cheese: Strong cheeses like feta cheese, goat cheese, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/blue-cheese-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/blue-cheese-guide","linkCopy":"blue cheese","category":null}'>blue cheese</a> pair nicely with spinach salad and balance the slight bitterness of the greens. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Nuts: Add a nutty flavor with toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts. You can candy the nuts by cooking them in a pan with sugar or honey to add sweetness and extra crunch. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Fruit: Fresh strawberries in a spinach salad make for a classic combination. You can also use mandarin oranges, apples, or even dried cranberries. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Protein: Add sliced grilled chicken breasts, quinoa, and/or chickpeas to make your salad the main course. </li></ol>

5 Best Spinach Salad Ingredients

Spinach Salad Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe 

The best spinach salad recipes feature a mix of cheese, nuts, and fruits. Learn how to toss and dress a spinach salad.