15-Minute Fresh Spinach Salad

Prep: 15 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Fresh Spinach Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

A crisp, colorful spinach salad featuring fresh vegetables and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Baby spinach leaves are combined with sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thin carrot ribbons, then topped with shaved parmesan cheese. The tangy balsamic dressing made with extra virgin olive oil brings all the flavors together. Perfect as a light lunch or healthy side dish for dinner.

VegetarianGluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 4 oz spinach, rinsed and dried
    arugula1:1

    adds peppery flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 small cucumbers
  • ½ English cucumber(optional)
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
  • shaved parmesan cheese
    feta cheese1:1

    adds tanginess

    Full guide →
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
    red wine vinegar1:1

    lighter flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, to taste(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse and dry spinach, then transfer to a large salad bowl

  2. 2

    Slice cucumbers, thinly slice carrots, and halve cherry tomatoes, then toss all vegetables into the salad

  3. 3

    Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then whisk or shake ingredients together briskly

  4. 4

    Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and drizzle salad with the balsamic vinaigrette

Good to Know

Storage

Store dressed salad in refrigerator for up to 2 days, though best served immediately

Make Ahead

Prepare vegetables up to 4 hours ahead and store separately from dressing

Serve With

Serve immediately after dressing to prevent wilting

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overdress the salad to avoid soggy greens

Watch

Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dressing

Substitutions

spinach→
arugula1:1

adds peppery flavor

Full guide →
parmesan→
feta cheese1:1

adds tanginess

Full guide →
balsamic vinegar→
red wine vinegar1:1

lighter flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare all vegetables and store them separately from the dressing. Combine just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?

Try feta, goat cheese, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Each will add a different flavor profile to the salad.

How long will leftover salad keep?

Undressed salad keeps 2-3 days refrigerated. Once dressed, consume within a day as the greens will start to wilt and become soggy.