As the vibrant oranges start to make their seasonal debut, I find myself dreaming up fresh and colorful dishes that burst with flavor. One sunny afternoon, while tidying my fridge, I discovered a bright stash of fresh spinach and some juicy oranges begging to be used. Inspired by their crispness and sweetness, I whipped up a Spinach Orange Almond Salad that quickly turned into a favorite at our table.
This salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s an effortless blend of textures and tastes—crunchy almonds, zesty oranges, and tangy feta dancing together. Perfect for those busy weeknights or as a light lunch, it takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is sure to impress. Trust me, once you drizzle on that homemade balsamic vinaigrette, your taste buds will sing! Join me in creating this delightful dish, and let’s elevate our homemade meals, leaving the fast food behind.
Why You'll Love This Spinach Orange Almond Salad
- This Spinach Orange Almond Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- The flavor combination of fresh spinach, zesty oranges, and crunchy almonds makes for a delicious and refreshing dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Its versatility allows it to be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.
- Plus, the vibrant colors and textures create a visually stunning salad that is sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
Spinach Orange Almond Salad Ingredients
• Perfect for a fresh, healthy dish!
For the Salad
- Fresh spinach – packed with nutrients, it serves as the crisp base for your salad.
- Oranges – their sweetness adds a delightful zesty pop that compliments the greens.
- Sliced almonds – provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the salad.
- Red onion – adds a sharp, flavorful bite that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
- Feta cheese – its creaminess and saltiness elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
For the Dressing
- Olive oil – use high-quality oil for a rich flavor that ties the ingredients together.
- Balsamic vinegar – gives a tangy depth to the dressing, enhancing the salad beautifully.
- Salt and pepper – season to taste; they are essential to bring all the flavors alive in your Spinach Orange Almond Salad.
How to Make Spinach Orange Almond Salad
-
Wash and dry the spinach. Rinse 4 cups of fresh spinach under cold water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel or spin it in a salad spinner until dry. This ensures your greens stay crisp!
-
Combine ingredients in a bowl. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cleaned spinach, 2 segmented oranges, 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. The colors and textures will brighten your day!
-
Whisk the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well blended and slightly thickened for that perfect coating.
-
Drizzle and toss. Pour the dressing over your beautiful salad mixture and gently toss it all together. Be careful not to crush the delicate oranges or feta! Aim for an even distribution of flavors.
-
Serve immediately. Serve your Spinach Orange Almond Salad right away to enjoy all the flavors at their freshest. It’s perfect on its own or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal!
Optional: Garnish with additional almonds for extra crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Spinach Orange Almond Salad?
Brighten your meal with delightful pairings that complement this fresh salad’s vibrant flavors.
- Grilled Chicken: A juicy grilled chicken breast adds protein and a smoky flavor that balances the salad’s freshness beautifully.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs creates a nutty companion, enhancing the salad’s textures and making it a heartier meal.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the salad’s dressing. The crunch of the bread contrasts perfectly with the crisp spinach.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized roasted veggies add warmth and depth, creating a comforting contrast to the bright, cool salad.
- Lemon Water: A refreshing lemon-infused water cleanses the palate, accentuating the salad’s citrus notes without overpowering them.
- Berry Tart: For dessert, a light berry tart brings a touch of sweetness and a pop of color that echoes the salad’s vibrant palette.
- Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine pairs perfectly, enhancing the meal’s celebratory feel and refreshing the senses.
Spinach Orange Almond Salad Variations
Feel free to personalize your dish with these delightful twists and substitutions to make it your own!
-
Nut-Free: Swap the sliced almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
-
Dairy-Free: Omit the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative to keep the salad creamy and plant-based.
-
Citrus Medley: Use a combination of citrus fruits like grapefruits or mandarins to diversify flavors and enhance sweetness.
-
Extra Crunch: Add a handful of crispy chickpeas to boost the texture and add a deliciously healthy protein punch.
-
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your salad a refreshing heat.
-
Herb-Infused: Throw in some fresh herbs like mint or basil to elevate the aroma, making every bite even more fragrant.
-
Avocado Richness: Include diced avocado for a luscious, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the bright flavors of the salad.
-
Grilled Elements: For a smoky twist, grill the red onions before adding; it gives the dish an incredible depth of flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Spinach Orange Almond Salad
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the delicate ingredients, especially the spinach and oranges, which may become mushy.
Reheating: If you prefer your salad warmer, consider lightly sautéing the spinach for a few minutes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Make Ahead Options
These Spinach Orange Almond Salad components are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead to save you time during busy days! You can wash and dry the spinach, slice the almonds, and segment the oranges up to 24 hours in advance—just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crispness. If you want to prepare the dressing in advance, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the salad ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful Spinach Orange Almond Salad with just a bit of final assembly!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always make sure to wash and thoroughly dry your spinach for the best texture in your Spinach Orange Almond Salad.
- To enhance the flavors, let the dressing sit for a few minutes before tossing it with the salad to allow the ingredients to meld.
- When combining all salad ingredients, be gentle to prevent bruising the fruits and cheese, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing it to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients and prevent sogginess.
- Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving for optimal seasoning.
Spinach Orange Almond Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose fresh spinach for my salad?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh spinach, look for bright green leaves with no dark spots or wilting. The leaves should feel crisp to the touch. Avoid any bags that contain slimy or damaged spinach, as it may not have the best flavor or texture.
How should I store leftover salad?
For the best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend keeping the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch. Just add the dressing right before you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I freeze Spinach Orange Almond Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its delicate ingredients. The spinach and oranges may become mushy when defrosted, losing their delightful crunch. However, if you’re looking to prepare ingredients in advance, consider freezing only the sliced almonds in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Toast them before adding to future salads for extra flavor!
What can I do if my citrus is too ripe?
If your oranges are overripe or if they have dark spots, it’s essential to check for any unpleasant odors. If they smell fresh and sweet, remove any questionable parts before segmenting. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend using fresh oranges without any signs of spoilage. If you can’t find ripe oranges, tangerines or even grapefruit make fabulous substitutes!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, it’s vital to note that this Spinach Orange Almond Salad contains almonds and feta cheese, which may trigger allergies in some individuals. For a nut-free version, you can simply omit the almonds or substitute them with sunflower seeds. As for the cheese, try a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely for a lighter option!
Spinach Orange Almond Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry the spinach. Rinse under cold water and gently pat it dry to ensure your greens stay crisp!
- Combine ingredients in a bowl. Toss together the cleaned spinach, segmented oranges, sliced almonds, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Whisk the dressing. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Drizzle and toss. Pour the dressing over the salad mix and gently toss together.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy the salad fresh as a light lunch or side dish!
Leave a Reply