Description
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
Scale
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Dijon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), sea salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until the dressing is well-emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Gently mix to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the freshly prepared lemon Dijon dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently using salad tongs or clean hands to ensure everything is evenly coated without bruising the spinach leaves.
- Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the top of the salad just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or a light entrée.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup and omit the feta cheese.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use a mandoline for even, thin slices of cucumber and onion.
- Best served immediately; dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg