Spinach salad with oranges and walnuts delivers a delicious blend of flavor and nutrition.
Fresh, tender spinach is brightened by the juicy sweetness of oranges, while toasted walnuts provide a rich, crunchy texture.
It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s both healthy and easy to make.
Each bite offers a refreshing mix of sweet, savory, and nutty notes, making it perfect for a quick meal or as a flavorful side to any dish & join us.
spinach salad with oranges and walnuts:
1. Ingredients Overview
Spinach: Spinach forms the base of this salad, bringing a mild, earthy taste and a soft, leafy texture. It’s loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, adding both flavor and a vibrant green color.
Oranges: Oranges add a juicy, sweet burst of flavor that balances well with the spinach. They’re full of vitamin C, giving the salad a refreshing and zesty twist while boosting its nutritional value.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide a rich, crunchy texture and a slightly nutty taste. They’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and omega-3s, adding a nutritious and satisfying element to the salad.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Feta Cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the oranges and the crunch of the walnuts.
- Dried Cranberries: Give an extra layer of sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Light Vinaigrette: A citrus or balsamic vinaigrette brings all the flavors together with a hint of acidity and depth.
Dressing Options:
A great dressing ties all the flavors of this salad together, creating a harmonious and delicious dish. A light, tangy vinaigrette is the perfect choice, balancing the sweetness of the oranges and the crunch of the walnuts.
Citrus Vinaigrette: This bright and refreshing dressing is made from fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. It adds a zesty flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of the oranges.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: A rich and slightly sweet option, this vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the toasted walnuts. Mix balsamic vinegar with olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and season with salt and pepper. The deep flavor enhances the salad’s nutty and fruity elements.
Honey Mustard Dressing: For a sweet and tangy kick, honey mustard dressing works wonderfully. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple juice vinegar, and a touch of salt. This bold dressing adds an extra layer of flavor to the fresh ingredients.
Dressing Tips:
- Lightly Coat: Use just enough dressing to coat the salad evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Dress Before Serving: Add the dressing right before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
- Customize to Taste: Adjust the dressing’s sweetness or tanginess to suit your preference.
Recipes:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
- 2 large oranges cut into segments
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or 1/4 cup dried cranberries
For the Citrus Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Citrus Vinaigrette:
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- In a small bowl or a jar, combine orange juice, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk or shake until everything is well mixed.
- Gradually add olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
Toast the Walnuts:
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- Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Stir them frequently for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
Assemble the Salad:
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- Put the fresh spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Add the orange segments and the toasted walnuts.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese or dried cranberries if you’re using them.
Add the Dressing:
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- Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
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- Serve right away to enjoy the crisp, fresh flavors.
- Garnish with extra walnuts, oranges, or feta if desired.
Variations and Additions:
This salad is incredibly flexible and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to change it up or enhance the flavors:
1. Add Protein
Grilled Chicken: Include slices of grilled or baked chicken for a heartier, protein-rich option.
Shrimp: Sauté or grill shrimp for a seafood twist that complements the citrus.
Chickpeas: For a vegetarian boost, toss in roasted or seasoned chickpeas for added protein and crunch.
2. Swap the Fruit
Grapefruit: Use grapefruit segments instead of oranges for a tangy, refreshing flavor.
Pomegranate Seeds: Add pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and a vibrant color.
Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries make a great addition for a summery touch.
3. Change the Nuts
Pecans: Substitute walnuts with toasted pecans for a slightly sweeter, buttery taste.
Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add a light, crunchy texture.
Candied Nuts: For a hint of sweetness, try candied walnuts or pecans.
4. Cheese Alternatives
Goat Cheese: Swap feta for creamy goat cheese to add a tangy, rich flavor.
Blue Cheese: Use blue cheese crumbles for a stronger, bolder taste.
Parmesan: Shave some Parmesan cheese over the salad for a savory, nutty flavor.
5. Add More Veggies
Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Red Onions: Thinly sliced red onions give the salad a zesty kick.
Cucumbers: Crisp cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch.
- Try Different Dressings
- Honey Balsamic: Use a honey balsamic vinaigrette for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Poppy Seed Dressing: A poppy seed dressing adds a sweet and tangy note.
- Ginger-Lime: A ginger-lime dressing brings a hint of spice and zest
Serving Suggestions:
This salad is extraordinarily flexible and can be matched with various dinners. Here’s how you can enjoy it:
As a Light Lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own for a fresh and healthy midday meal. For extra protein and a more satisfying dish, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
As a Side Dish: It makes a wonderful side for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or vegetarian mains, adding a fresh, zesty flavor to the meal. Pair it with soups like tomato bisque or butternut squash soup to create a balanced and comforting combo.
For Potlucks and Picnics: This salad is perfect for sharing at gatherings like potlucks, picnics, or family meals. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
For Dinner Parties: Serve the salad as a starter at a dinner party. The bright colors and mix of flavors create an elegant and appealing beginning to any meal, impressing your guests.
For Brunch: Include this salad in a brunch spread with dishes like quiche, frittatas, or avocado toast. The citrus and walnuts provide a refreshing contrast to rich, savory brunch favorites.
Read Next: Spinach Salad With Mandarin Oranges And Feta
Nutritional Stats per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 4-5 grams
- Fat: 12-14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 16-20 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugar: 8-12 grams
- Vitamin A: 60-70% DV
- Vitamin C: 70-80% DV
- Calcium: 8-10% DV
- Iron: 8-10% DV
- Sodium: 150-250 milligrams
FAQs | spinach salad with oranges and walnuts
Q. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Indeed, you can prepare the fixings somewhat early, yet hold on to add the dressing until not long prior to effectively keeping the spinach fresh.
Q. What other fruits can I use instead of oranges?
You can replace oranges with grapefruit, pomegranate seeds, or fresh berries for a new flavor variation.
Q. How do I toast the walnuts?
Heat a dry skillet over medium intensity and add the pecan. Stir them for 2-3 minutes until they become golden and aromatic.
Q. Can I include protein in the salad?
Definitely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.
