Spinach and Orange Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

This Spinach and Orange Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a refreshing, flavorful dish that combines crisp baby spinach with juicy orange segments, crunchy almonds, and a sweet and tangy honey vinaigrette. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any season—whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or an elegant side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in just minutes
• Loaded with fresh, vibrant ingredients
• A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
• Customizable to fit different tastes and dietary needs
• Visually stunning and great for entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Baby spinach
• Oranges, peeled and segmented
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Sliced almonds, toasted
• Dried cranberries
• Goat cheese crumbles (optional)

For the Honey Vinaigrette:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until fully combined and emulsified.
2. In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, orange segments, red onion slices, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
3. Drizzle the honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle with goat cheese crumbles if using.
5. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a complete meal.
• Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Replace oranges with grapefruit or mandarin slices for variety.
• Use feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a stronger flavor.
• Add avocado slices for a creamy texture and healthy fats.

Storage/Reheating

• Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the honey vinaigrette in a separate jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
• Avoid adding the dressing until just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

FAQs

What type of oranges work best for this salad?

Navel oranges are ideal due to their sweetness and lack of seeds, but you can also use mandarins or blood oranges.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, prepare the ingredients ahead of time but store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

Is there a vegan version of this dressing?

Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the vinaigrette vegan.

What cheese can I use if I don’t have goat cheese?

Feta, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan are good alternatives.

How do I make the salad more filling?

Add a protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa to make it a full meal.

Are there nut-free options?

Yes, omit the nuts or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.

Can I use a different vinegar in the vinaigrette?

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes for balsamic vinegar.

How can I keep the spinach from wilting?

Only add the dressing right before serving and toss the salad gently.

Is this salad good for picnics?

Yes, it travels well if you keep the dressing separate and mix it just before eating.

Can I add grains to this salad?

Yes, cooked grains like quinoa or farro can add heartiness and extra nutrition.

Conclusion

This Spinach and Orange Salad with Honey Vinaigrette is a beautiful and flavorful dish that fits any occasion. Easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and full of fresh, wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your salad rotation. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a quick weekday lunch, this salad delivers both in taste and presentation.

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