15 Best Spinach Salad Recipes

Kasey Spencer
Spinach Salad Recipes

Spinach offers a tender yet nutrient-dense base for salads of all kinds. From fruity combos to savory creations topped with proteins, these spinach salads prove just how versatile this leafy green can be.

Spinach Salad Recipes

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a quick dish to bring to a gathering, here are 15 of the best spinach salad recipes to enjoy!

1. Classic Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

Classic Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

This Classic Spinach Salad features crisp bacon crumbles and a warm dressing that slightly wilts the spinach for a savory, comforting dish.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 6 cups baby spinach
  2. 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  3. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  4. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  5. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  6. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in a skillet.
  2. Over low heat, whisk in vinegar, mustard, sugar (optional), salt, and pepper to form a warm dressing.
  3. Place spinach in a large bowl, along with crumbled bacon and optional red onion.
  4. Drizzle warm dressing over the salad; toss gently. Serve immediately.

2. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Image credit: ambitiouskitchen.com

Sweet strawberries brighten this Strawberry Spinach Salad, balanced by creamy feta (or goat cheese) and a tangy poppy seed dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  3. 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
  4. 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or walnuts

Poppy Seed Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or balsamic)
  3. 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  4. 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
  2. Arrange spinach and strawberries; sprinkle with cheese and nuts.
  3. Drizzle dressing over the top.
  4. Toss gently before serving.

3. Spinach and Avocado Salad

Spinach and Avocado Salad
Image credit: everydayeasyeats.com

Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with tender spinach in this Spinach and Avocado Salad, dressed in a simple lemon-garlic vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 1 ripe avocado, diced
  3. 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Place spinach in a serving bowl; gently fold in avocado and optional onion.
  3. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

4. Spinach and Bacon Pasta Salad

Spinach and Bacon Pasta Salad
Image credit: stepheniekaynutrition.com

Hearty and savory, this Spinach and Bacon Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta, crisp bacon, fresh spinach, and a tangy dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 20 minutes
Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

8 oz short pasta (rotini, penne), cooked and drained
3 cups baby spinach
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Dressing:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach, bacon, and tomatoes.
Stir in dressing until evenly coated.
Enjoy warm or chilled.

5. Warm Spinach Salad with Mushrooms

Warm Spinach Salad with Mushrooms
Image credit: dishesdelish.com

Earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach create a comforting, Warm Spinach Salad, often finished with a light balsamic drizzle.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white)
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  5. 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms in olive oil until browned; add optional garlic.
  2. Stir in balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place spinach in a bowl. Pour warm mushroom mixture over the spinach to wilt it slightly.
  4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

6. Spinach and Feta Orzo Salad

Spinach and Feta Orzo Salad
Image credit: budgetbytes.com

This Spinach and Feta Orzo Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired dish, pairing tender orzo with tangy feta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
  2. 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  4. 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  5. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine orzo, spinach, tomatoes, and feta.
  3. Whisk olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
  4. Drizzle dressing over the salad; toss gently. Serve at room temperature or chilled

7. Spinach and Grilled Chicken Salad

Spinach and Grilled Chicken Salad
Image credit:feastingathome.com

Protein-packed and satisfying, this Spinach and Grilled Chicken Salad is a quick meal featuring marinated, grilled chicken and crisp spinach.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 20–25 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 2 grilled chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), sliced
  2. 4 cups baby spinach
  3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  4. 1/4 cup red onion, sliced (optional)

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
  2. Place spinach, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl; top with sliced chicken.
  3. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
  4. Toss gently and serve.

8. Spinach Pomegranate Salad

Spinach Pomegranate Salad
Image credit: simplyhomecooked.com

Sweet-tart pomegranate arils add color and crunch to this Spinach Pomegranate Salad, often paired with goat cheese and a light vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
  3. 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
  4. 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients.
  2. Layer spinach, pomegranate seeds, cheese, and nuts in a serving bowl.
  3. Drizzle with dressing.
  4. Toss gently before serving.

9. Spinach, Bacon, and Egg Salad

Spinach, Bacon, and Egg Salad
image credit: kristine’skitchen.com

Reminiscent of a breakfast combo, this Spinach, Bacon, and Egg Salad balances protein and greens for a hearty meal.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  3. 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  4. 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  2. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place spinach in a serving dish; top with egg slices, bacon, and optional onion.
  3. Drizzle dressing over the salad.
  4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

10. Spinach and Strawberry Quinoa Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Quinoa Salad
Image credit: simplyquinoa.com

Combine whole grains with sweet and savory elements in this Spinach and Strawberry Quinoa Salad, a nutritious lunch or side.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  2. 3 cups baby spinach
  3. 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  4. 1/4 cup goat cheese or feta (optional)
  5. 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or pecans

Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions; let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, cheese (if using), and nuts.
  3. Stir in cooked quinoa.
  4. Whisk dressing ingredients; pour over the salad. Toss gently.

11: Spinach and Salmon Salad

Spinach and Salmon Salad
Image credit: grabaplate.com

Rich in omega-3s, this Spinach and Salmon Salad pairs pan-seared or roasted salmon with fresh spinach and a bright lemon vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
  2. 4 cups baby spinach
  3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Lemon Vinaigrette:

  1. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Season salmon with salt and pepper; cook in a skillet or roast in an oven until done (about 4–5 minutes per side).
  2. In a serving bowl, place spinach and optional tomatoes.
  3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add cooked salmon on top; drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

12. Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing

Spinach and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
Image credit: rebelrecipes.com

Plant-based and satisfying, this Spinach and Chickpea Salad gets a boost from a creamy tahini dressing loaded with Middle Eastern flavors.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  4. 1/4 cup red onion, chopped (optional)

Tahini Dressing:

  1. 2 tablespoons tahini
  2. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  3. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  4. Water to thin if needed
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, optional sweetener, salt, and pepper. Add water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
  2. In a serving bowl, combine spinach, chickpeas, tomatoes, and optional onion.
  3. Drizzle with tahini dressing; toss to coat evenly.

13. Spinach Cobb Salad

Spinach Cobb Salad
Image credit: reluctantentertainer.com

A twist on the classic, this Spinach Cobb Salad features the usual bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and avocado—swapping spinach for romaine.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 15–20 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

  1. 4 cups baby spinach
  2. 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  3. 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  4. 1 avocado, sliced
  5. 1 cup diced tomatoes
  6. 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)

Dressing (optional):

  • Ranch, blue cheese, or a simple vinaigrette

Recipe Steps:

  1. Arrange spinach in a large bowl or platter.
  2. Top with rows of eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and chicken if using.
  3. Drizzle with your preferred dressing just before serving.

14. Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Portobello Salad

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Portobello Salad
Image credit: abeautifulplate.com

Elevate your meal with this Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Portobello Salad, where tender mushrooms are filled with sautéed spinach and creamy cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 25–30 minutes
  • Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  1. 2 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed
  2. 2 cups chopped spinach
  3. 2 tablespoons goat cheese (or feta)
  4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 2 cups baby spinach (for the salad base)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for ~10 minutes.
  2. Sauté chopped spinach until wilted, then stir in goat cheese.
  3. Fill mushroom caps with the spinach-cheese mixture; return to oven for 5 more minutes.
  4. Serve stuffed mushrooms over a bed of fresh spinach with any dressing of choice.

15. Spinach and Berry Mason Jar Salad

Spinach and Berry Mason Jar Salad
Image credit: sweetpeasandsaffron.com

Ideal for meal prep, this Spinach and Berry Mason Jar Salad layers juicy berries, crunchy nuts, and a sweet dressing in a portable container.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 1 (per jar)

Ingredients (layer in order):

  1. Dressing (balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing)
  2. 1/2 cup strawberries or mixed berries
  3. 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  4. 2–3 cups spinach

Recipe Steps:

  1. In a mason jar, pour dressing first.
  2. Layer in berries, then nuts.
  3. Pack spinach on top.
  4. Seal and refrigerate. Shake when ready to eat, or transfer to a bowl.
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