These vibrant spinach salad ideas are rich in nutrients and flavor. Plus, these recipes also come together quickly for a satisfying way to enjoy more greens.
1/23
Watermelon and Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer is the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
This spinach salad has lots and lots of fresh fruit. After a little chopping, it comes together quick.
2/23
Strawberry Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Spinach salad looks best-dressed when it's dotted with luscious red strawberries and toasted pecans. Finish it out with a sweet poppy seed dressing. —Erin Loughmiller, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
This spinach salad showcases a poppyseed dressing, fresh strawberries and toasted pecans. If you want to take it to the next level, swap in candied pecans.
3/23
Spinach and Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a super easy salad that looks and tastes festive for the wonderful Christmas season, but is also wonderful all year round. Vinaigrette dressing coats the greens nicely. —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Creamy-tart goat cheese makes a luscious counterpart to sweet beets and crunchy walnuts in this elegant salad. If you can’t get enough of that goat cheese funk, work your way through our best goat cheese recipes.
4/23
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
This spinach salad with warm bacon dressing proves that it’s not difficult to get through an entire bag of spinach if it’s dressed in a tangy, mustardy, brown-sugar bacon vinaigrette. Customize this classic salad with any toppings you like.
5/23
Blueberry Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberries are a fun surprise in this salad. I received the recipe from a co-worker's wife, and it's become one of my favorites. —Heidi Gilleland, Lees Summit, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Raspberry vinegar is the secret ingredient in this simple spinach salad. If you can’t find it at the store, try making a homemade version similar to our strawberry vinegar recipe.
6/23
Strawberry Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Juicy berries, crisp sugar snap peas and crunchy pecans complement the lime-marinated chicken in this pretty salad. The homemade sweet-sour dressing is simply delicious. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 479 calories, 35g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
7/23
Shrimp Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
When I meet former co-workers for lunch at our favorite restaurant, we always order this salad. I wanted to share it with my husband, so I made it my mission to re-create it. Mission accomplished! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 212 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
If you can’t resist bacon-wrapped shrimp, you’ll love this salad. To make slightly wilted spinach, toss the bacon dressing with the leaves before removing it from the heat for 15 to 20 seconds.
8/23
Salad with Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
This easy salmon recipe is crunchy, colorful and satisfying.
9/23
Kiwi-Strawberry Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty strawberry kiwi salad is always a hit when I serve it! The recipe came from a cookbook, but I personalized it. Sometimes just a small change in ingredients can create a big difference. —Laura Pounds, Andover, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 113 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
Raspberry vinegar adds a sweet-tart punch to the dressing for this fruit-filled salad, but use any flavored vinegar you like. Toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad to bring out their warm, nutty flavor.
10/23
Grilled Tuna Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this tuna spinach salad! Tuna steaks are delicious and quick to cook, and although they’re pretty inexpensive, they always seem a little more elegant than canned tuna. You can find them at most meat and seafood counters. Try this salad with fresh bread and tall glasses of lemonade. —De'Lawrence Reed, Durham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups salad with 3 oz. cooked tuna: 290 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
A bright citrus vinaigrette with lime, lemon and orange elevates this spinach salad. It’s definitely worthy of company! To upgrade the dish with more zesty seasoning, marinate your grilled tuna steak before throwing it on the grill.
11/23
Special Sesame Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With its delicious mix of crunchy peanuts, tangy dried cranberries and mandarin oranges, this colorful Asian chicken salad is a definite crowd-pleaser. Water chestnuts and a teriyaki dressing give this main dish its Asian flare. —Carolee Ewell, Santaquin, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 302 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
This teriyaki-inspired salad recipe is one of many reasons we love to pick up a good grocery store rotisserie chicken. The leftover chicken tastes wonderful tossed with shredded spinach, peanuts, water chestnuts and an umami-rich dressing.
12/23
Special Radicchio-Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Almost too pretty to eat, this colorful salad combines mint, chipotle pepper and honey to create a refreshing sweet-spicy flavor combination. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Mix spinach with bitter radicchio to balance and mellow out the red cabbage’s strong flavor. Sweet fruit and tangy feta bring the whole dish together.
13/23
Turkey Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
'My husband and I love to hike in New England,' writes Jessica Gerschitz of Jericho, New York. 'The maple syrup in Vermont is wonderful, and we always bring some home to extend the vacation spirit. This recipe I created reminds us of those lovely days.'
Nutrition Facts:
3-1/2 cups: 387 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
This quick and tasty salad is one of our favorite ways to use up a package of deli meat. Roll the salad in a whole-wheat tortilla for the perfect sandwich wrap.
14/23
Onion Orange Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
People always enjoy the bold flavors in this delightful salad. It’s both delicious and beautiful. —Zita Wilensky, North Miami Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
This satisfying salad hits all the right notes: It’s sweet and tangy with the crunch of slivered almonds. We love funky crumbled blue cheese in this recipe to contrast with the sweet oranges, but for a slightly milder taste, use feta.
15/23
Flat Iron Steak Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My steak salad with avocado and radishes is a big plate of summer deliciousness. I sometimes add dried cranberries and cherry tomatoes, but you can customize it to suit your tastes. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 321 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
There’s nothing like a steak salad to inspire you to eat your greens, and this fresh spinach salad does the trick. Sprinkle on homemade seasoned croutons for a satisfying crunch.
16/23
BBLT Chopped Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My original BLT chopped salad recipe called for lettuce. One day I didn't have any, so I substituted spinach. I ended up making some more healthy adjustments to the dish, and the rest is history! —Cindy VanBeek, Randolph, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 356 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 14g protein.
Miracle Whip is the creamy base for a simple vinaigrette that pulls this bacon-filled spinach salad together. For best results, choose the right type of bacon for the job.
17/23
Cranberry Orzo Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law's sister brought a salad to a family function, and I immediately fell in love with it. When I got home, I created my own version of what is now the cranberry orzo spinach salad. With its citrusy vinaigrette, briny capers, salty feta and sweet-tart dried cranberries, it's the perfect combination of flavors. —Jennifer Nystrom, Pooler, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 288 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
I like orzo recipes because the mini pasta perfectly absorbs the flavor of whatever sauce or vinaigrette it’s tossed with. Swap in farro or brown rice if you don’t have orzo in your pantry.
18/23
Blackberry Balsamic Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This lightly dressed salad is packed with superfoods! When I have time, I make my vinaigrette from scratch. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 106 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
This impressive yet simple salad works well with just about any type of crumbly cheese, whether you use feta or opt for blue or goat cheese. The most important step is choosing fresh, bright green spinach from the store.
19/23
Spinach Pasta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy recipe will shine as is, or double the vinaigrette and use half to marinate and grill chicken breasts if you want to add a protein. Slice and add to the salad. —Benice Silver, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 327 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy pasta salad for a crowd, this potluck recipe is always a hit. For a heartier salad, cheese tortellini is a satisfying swap for the penne.
20/23
Pomegranate Splash Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
Cranberry juice concentrate is the lively star ingredient in this simple tart vinaigrette. Raspberries and pomegranate seeds add pops of sweetness to the colorful salad, contrasting with tangy feta and rich, buttery pine nuts.
21/23
Wilted Spinach Salad with Butternut Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
Make quick work of peeling butternut squash. First, prick it with a fork and give it 45 seconds in the microwave. Then, trim an inch from the base of the squash, making it stand up straight and tall while you run the peeler from top to bottom. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 228 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
This festive spinach salad makes a pretty Thanksgiving side dish or an entree salad for any occasion. With lots of heart-healthy almonds, this salad is one of the tastiest ways to add nuts to your diet.
22/23
Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Orange Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasted pumpkin and dried fruits make this beautiful seasonal salad a natural match for holiday recipes. The dressing is a light, tasty mix of honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top it all off with crumbled goat cheese for that final tangy touch. —Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Whichever type of winter squash you use, this hearty spinach salad makes a beautiful side dish for roasted turkey or a spiral ham. Dried apricots and cranberries are delicious here, but feel free to mix it up and swap in chopped dried dates, figs or whatever you have on hand.
23/23
Rice Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and friends all love this salad, which they refer to as the Greek salad. The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s a perfect take-along dish for a big party. No matter what you’re looking for—something with the Greek flavors you love or just a healthy, simple salad—this will not disappoint! If you’d like, substitute orzo for the rice. —Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
With nutty brown rice, feta and tangy garlic dressing, this Greek-inspired rice salad is excellent as a side or topped with simple proteins like grilled tuna steak or shrimp. Try to prepare this salad a few hours before eating so all the beautiful flavors have time to meld together.
Spinach Salad Ideas FAQ
Is baby spinach better for spinach salad recipes?
Baby spinach leaves are ideal for raw salads because they’re harvested before the spinach fully matures, making the leaves more delicate and easily digestible. They also have a lovely, slightly sweet flavor. If you’re using regular fresh spinach in salads instead of baby spinach, chop it so it’s easier to chew.
What is the best spinach salad dressing?
Spinach holds up to just about any homemade salad dressing, from citrus vinaigrette to a hot bacon vinaigrette. Poppy seed dressing is a popular choice for spinach salads because it accentuates spinach’s natural sweetness. While there is a best dressing for every type of salad green, you can almost always use one you love from another salad recipe.
How healthy is spinach salad?
Healthy means different things to different people, but spinach is generally considered a part of healthy salad recipes. It’s a wonderful source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as iron, folate and potassium. The leafy green is also low in calories while being high in antioxidants and fiber. Of course, dousing your spinach in hot bacon dressing will add fat and sodium to the equation, but the vegetable is still rich in many important nutrients.
