Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing Recipe

Fresh, crisp, and bursting with tangy flavor, this Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing makes a refreshing side or light, healthy lunch any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing comes from its handful of fresh ingredients. Every item in this list has a purpose—creating a balance of flavors, textures, and vibrant color on your plate. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

• Fresh baby spinach: Tender and loaded with nutrients, these leaves provide the salad’s foundation and lush green appeal.
• Red onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced): Offers a pop of sharp, sweet flavor and gorgeous color contrast with the greens.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy, sweet, and vibrant—they add a burst of freshness to every bite.
• Cucumber (1/2, thinly sliced): Cool and crisp, cucumber rounds out the textural mix and keeps things extra refreshing.
• Toasted sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty crunch—toast just until fragrant for the best flavor!
• Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled, optional): A creamy, tangy accent that turns the salad into a true treat (or skip for dairy-free).
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): The zingy heart of the dressing—always use freshly squeezed for the brightest taste.
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Its bold, slightly spicy bite ties the dressing together beautifully.
• Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a hint of sweetness softens the acidity and rounds out the flavors.
• Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient—you’ll taste the difference!
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dressing.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Smooths and unifies the dressing with lovely richness—go for extra-virgin if you can.

How to Make Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Step 1: Whisk Together the Lemon Dijon Dressing

Start by making the star of this dish: the lively lemon Dijon dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Once those ingredients are combined, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream while whisking constantly. This will help the dressing emulsify, resulting in a light, creamy texture that will cling perfectly to your greens. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork and some elbow grease work in a pinch!

Step 2: Prepare Your Salad Base

Grab a generous salad bowl and pile in the baby spinach, thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. The idea is to build a bed of crisp greens and veggies where every scoop delivers variety. If you like everything evenly distributed, give it a gentle toss now so you’re set up for easy mixing after the dressing is added.

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad

Drizzle your freshly made lemon Dijon dressing over the salad ingredients. Use clean hands or salad tongs to gently toss everything together—aim to coat the leaves without crushing them. The key is to be gentle, so every piece is glossy and flavorful yet still perky and tender.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. These finishing touches add richness and crunch with every forkful. If you’re making this in advance, wait to add the almonds and cheese until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Serve immediately, and get ready to make everyone at the table smile!

How to Serve Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Garnishes

A crown of garnishes can really make this Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing special. For extra flair, scatter on more toasted almonds, a few more feta crumbles, or some paper-thin lemon zest curls. A grind of fresh black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving elevates the freshness to the next level.

Side Dishes

This salad shines solo, but it’s also a versatile companion at the table. Serve it next to grilled chicken, fish, or a slice of savory quiche for a complete meal. For something rustic, offer a hunk of crusty sourdough or warm pita alongside, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to play! For a grab-and-go lunch, pile the salad into mason jars with the dressing on the bottom, and give it a shake when ready to eat. Or, try forming individual nests of spinach on plates for a composed starter at a dinner party. The jewel colors of the vegetables make every presentation instantly inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that spinach is delicate, so it will wilt as it sits with dressing. To keep things freshest, store the salad and dressing separately and toss when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

While this vibrant salad is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not recommended. The tender greens and vegetables don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—they lose their crisp texture and lively flavor. Stick to the fridge for any storage needs.

Reheating

Luckily, Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! If the salad has been refrigerated, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to knock off the chill and bring out the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?

Absolutely! If you only have regular spinach, just give it a rough chop to make the leaves bite-sized. Baby spinach is more tender and sweet, but mature spinach adds a slightly earthier flavor that’s also delicious.

What other nuts can I substitute for almonds?

Pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds are fantastic swaps for almonds. Toasting them brings out their best flavor, so don’t skip that step. Go with whatever you love or have on hand.

Is the feta cheese essential?

Feta is optional in this Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing. It adds a briny, creamy accent, but you can easily leave it out if you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter option. Goat cheese or shaved Parmesan are tasty alternatives, too.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The lemon Dijon dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the oil and juice may separate over time.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Definitely! This salad is a great base for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas. Adding a protein turns Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing into a vibrant, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up your kitchen routine, give this Spinach Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing a whirl. It’s everything a salad should be: lively, colorful, and bursting with flavor. I hope it finds a spot on your table as often as it does on mine—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your most-requested dish!

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