Are you on the lookout for a simple yet sensational salad recipe? Look no further, because we have the perfect dish for you! This quick and Easy Spinach Salad Recipe features a zesty Curry Dressing that will elevate your salad game to new heights.

Table of Contents
  1. The Best Recipe for Spinach Salad
  2. Benefits of Spinach in Your Diet
  3. Curry Dressing: The Perfect Flavor Boost
  4. Making the Zesty Curry Dressing
  5. Spinach Salad Ingredients
  6. Step-by-Step Guide for How to Make a Spinach Salad
  7. Tips for Serving the Spinach Salad
  8. How to Store Fresh Spinach Salad
  9. Variations and Additions to the Spinach Salad Recipe
  10. More Salad Recipes (Side) to Try
  11. Best Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs
  12. Baby Spinach Salad Recipe With Curry Dressing

The Best Recipe for Spinach Salad

My college friend Dede Faulkner Graves gave me this recipe, and I quickly fell in love with it the first time I made it. Here’s why I think it’s one of the best recipes for spinach salad, so much so that it’s become my go-to salad for many occasions:

  1. Quick and easy to prepare. This salad is a go-to choice when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and nutritious. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a unique and deeply aromatic salad dressing from scratch, prep the other ingredients, and toss together a delicious and nutritious side salad.
  2. Elegant. Its simplicity in preparation doesn’t compromise on elegance. This beautiful spinach salad is a rustically elegant dish that can effortlessly elevate any dining occasion, from a casual gathering to a more formal dinner party.
  3. Versatile. While this salad is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences, including adding cheese, avocados, or even strawberries.
  4. Nutritious. Packed with nutritious spinach leaves, this delicious salad is also incredibly healthy. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide a range of health benefits, including boosting your immune system and promoting healthy digestion.
  5. Bold, earthy flavors. What sets this salad apart is its zesty curry dressing. Bursting with deep, aromatic flavors, this dressing adds a subtle kick to the salad that harmonizes perfectly with the spinach and other ingredients. 

Benefits of Spinach in Your Diet

Spinach is often referred to as a superfood for a reason. It is rich in essential nutrients that can do wonders for your health. Incorporating spinach into your diet has numerous benefits, ranging from improving your overall well-being to supporting your immune system:

  • High vitamin content. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, boosting your immune system, and promoting proper blood clotting. Additionally, spinach is packed with minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to bone health and help regulate blood pressure.
  • Rich in antioxidants. Spinach is full of antioxidants that can protect your body against free radicals and oxidative stress. These antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and lutein, have been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
wooden bowl holding a serving of spinach salad with raisins and peanuts and dressing on the side

Curry Dressing: The Perfect Flavor Boost

The zesty Curry Dressing is the star of this Spinach Salad Recipe. It takes the flavors to a whole new level, adding a burst of bold, aromatic, and earthy taste that perfectly complements the spinach and other ingredients.

Making the Zesty Curry Dressing

To make the curry dressing, gather the following ingredients (quantities are provided in the recipe card below):

  • White wine vinegar (can also use red wine vinegar)
  • Dry vermouth
  • Dijon mustard
  • Soy sauce (I prefer low sodium)
  • Curry powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper 
  • Extra virgin olive oil 

Now, let’s dive into how to create this flavorful dressing:

In a small bowl or a medium-sized glass jar with a fitted lid, whisk together the vinegar, vermouth, mustard, soy sauce, curry powder, sugar, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until well blended. Screw on cover and set aside. For the best flavor, allow the dressing to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Spinach Salad Ingredients

To prepare the spinach salad, you will need the following ingredients (quantities are included in the recipe card below):

  • Fresh baby spinach
  • Raisins
  • Peanuts – I prefer to use dry roasted, but any peanut will work
  • Green onion
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Curry Dressing

Step-by-Step Guide for How to Make a Spinach Salad

  1. First, make the Curry Dressing.
  2. Remove any tough stems from the spinach (with baby spinach you shouldn’t have any) and place in a large salad bowl.
  3. Add peanuts, raisins, and green onion. 
  4. Shortly before serving, add desired amount of dressing, tossing to coat (you may have some dressing left over). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
wooden bowl holding a serving of spinach salad with raisins, peanuts and curry dressing on the side

Tips for Serving the Spinach Salad

How to Store Fresh Spinach Salad

If making ahead, cover the dressing and refrigerate; it will last up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before using. The spinach can be prepped earlier in the day, placed in a salad bowl, covered, and refrigerated.
 
I don’t recommend storing any leftovers that have been tossed
with the dressing, as the spinach will wilt.

Variations and Additions to the Spinach Salad Recipe

While this spinach salad recipe is already a winner, you can always experiment and add your personal touch to it. Here are a few ideas to customize the salad to your liking:

  • Add feta, goat cheese or blue cheese for bit of tang.
  • Include sliced avocados for extra creaminess and earthy flavors.
  • Replace the green onion with chopped or thinly sliced red onion.
  • Instead of peanuts, toss in some toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or walnuts.
  • Add crispy bacon for a bit of protein and added crunch.
  • Toss in some chopped hard boiled eggs for a bit of protein and varied flavor.
  • Add sliced fresh strawberries for a pop of color, as well as a sweet contrast to the sharp curry dressing.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a main dish salad.
     
    Feel free to get creative and make this spinach salad your own. The possibilities are endless!

More Salad Recipes (Side) to Try

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
wooden bowl holding a serving of spinach salad with raisins and peanuts and dressing on the side

Baby Spinach Salad Recipe With Curry Dressing

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Are you on the lookout for a simple yet sensational salad recipe? Look no further, because we have the perfect dish for you! This quick and easy spinach salad recipe features a zesty curry dressing that will elevate your salad game to new heights.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Curry Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dry vermouth
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (I prefer low sodium)
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Spinach Salad

  • 6 to 8 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup peanuts (dry roasted)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions (white, light green and some dark green part)

Instructions

Curry Dressing

  1. In a medium glass jar with a fitted lid, whisk together the vinegar, vermouth, mustard, soy sauce, curry powder, sugar, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until well blended. Set aside.

Fresh Spinach Salad

  1. Remove any tough stems from the spinach (you shouldn’t have any with baby spinach).
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, peanuts, raisins, and green onion.
  3. Shortly before serving, add the desired amount of dressing, tossing to coat (you may have some dressing left over). Season taste with salt and pepper. Can also serve dressing on the side.

Notes

Make ahead: The dressing can be made up to 4 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using. Spinach can be prepped earlier in the day, placed in the salad bowl, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

  • Author: Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: side dishes, quick and easy
  • Method: no bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 176
  • Sugar: 7.2 g
  • Sodium: 149.1 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.5 g
  • Fiber: 1.8 g
  • Protein: 3.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Best Spinach Salad Recipe FAQs

Can you eat raw spinach leaves in a salad?

Yes, you can eat raw spinach leaves in a salad. Raw spinach is commonly used as a base for salads and provides a fresh, crunchy texture along with its nutritional benefits.

Do you leave stems on spinach for salad?

Leaving the stems on spinach for a salad depends on personal preference and the type of spinach you’re using. Baby spinach leaves typically have tender stems that are edible and can be left on. However, more mature spinach tends to have thicker stems, which you might want to remove them as they can be tougher and less pleasant to eat.

Should you chop spinach for salad?

Chopping spinach for a salad is a matter of personal preference and the desired presentation. For this salad, I prefer to leave the baby spinach leaves whole for a rustically elegant look.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Comments

wooden bowl holding a serving of spinach salad with raisins and peanuts and dressing on the side

Share This With The World

About the author

Hi, I'm Lee.

I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.


Sign up for recipes, tips & more!
Join the club

Latest Posts