Sunshine Citrus Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Looking for fresh spinach salad ideas? This Sunshine Citrus Spinach Salad is a California dream! Juicy oranges & grapefruit with creamy poppy seed dressing. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction: Sunshine Citrus Spinach Salad

Ever feel like your taste buds are stuck in a rut? me too! that’s when i started brainstorming spinach salad ideas .

This sunshine citrus spinach salad is the answer to those boring lunch blues! it’s bright, it's zesty, and it's packed with flavor.

A California Dream: Quick Overview

This salad’s inspired by california’s sunshine and fresh produce. it's an easy recipe, ready in just 20 minutes. it serves about 4 people, perfect for a light lunch or side.

You know, that kinda meal that makes you feel good from the inside out.

Good for You and Good for the Soul

This salad is not only delicious but also good for you. healthy spinach salad recipes are my jam! it's packed with vitamins from the spinach and citrus, and healthy fats from the almonds.

I love serving it on a gloomy day. it’s just pure sunshine. honestly, the best spinach salad dressing really makes it.

This is also the perfect dish spinach salad for thanksgiving , as a welcome addition to the heavy sides.

Ready to find out how to make this?

Getting Started

Let’s talk ingredients. baby spinach, oranges, grapefruit, almonds, and goat cheese (optional) are the base of our salad. oh my gosh, the colors alone are amazing! a homemade poppy seed dressing ties everything together.

That Amazing Dressing

The star of the show is definitely the dressing! it’s a mix of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and dijon mustard.

This dressing for spinach salad gives a tangy, sweet, and slightly nutty flavour. you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Speaking of which, you might also find interesting bacon salad dressing recipes online, if you want to go a bit bolder!

Toasting the Almonds

Don't skip toasting the almonds. this step only takes a few minutes, but it brings out their nutty flavour and adds a lovely crunch.

Just keep an eye on them, because they can burn quickly. believe me, i know from experience! toasting those nuts is essential.

Now that we got all the parts down, let’s get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this sunshine-in-a-bowl. We're talking Sunshine Citrus Spinach Salad here! I had this salad first in California. It was a total game changer.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so grab 5 ounces (140g) of baby spinach. make sure it's washed and completely dried. nobody wants soggy spinach.

You'll also need 2 oranges and 2 pink grapefruits . you are going to peel and segment these. next, get ½ cup (50g) of sliced almonds.

Toasting them is crucial!. oh, and if you're feeling fancy, ¼ cup (30g) of crumbled goat cheese. seriously, it elevates the whole thing.

This is the base of your healthy spinach salad recipes .

For the dressing, you'll need: ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon (10g) poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) dijon mustard.

Season with salt and pepper. apple cider vinegar is great, however lemon juice also works!.

Seasoning Notes

For this best spinach salad dressing , the key is balance. the honey cuts through the vinegar, and the dijon adds a little zing.

Don’t skimp on the poppy seeds. they give it that classic flavour. if you want more savoury flavours, feel free to use bacon!.

The flavour is incredible!. for a bacon salad dressing recipes , add some bacon fat to your dressing. honestly, you won't regret it.

This can be the best spinach salad ever!.

Equipment Needed

You don't need much, thankfully. a large salad bowl, obviously. a small bowl or jar for the dressing. a small skillet or baking sheet for toasting those almonds.

A whisk or fork will do for the dressing. if you want to use something similar, you can. my old skillet works!.

Don't over complicate it. keep it simple!. spinach salad for thanksgiving is also possible, just add cranberries!.

So, with your ingredients and equipment sorted, you're all set to create this amazing salad. It truly is divine!. If you are in a hurry, feel free to buy the ingredients pre-made.

Okay, here's that article snippet, all humanized and ready to roll. Let me know what you think!

Spinach Salad Ideas: The Sunny Side Up!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good salad? and lately, i've been obsessed with all things spinach salad ideas . i mean, ditch the boring iceberg lettuce! we need more oomph ! this sunshine citrus spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is my go-to for a quick and delicious lunch, especially when i'm craving something that reminds me of california sunshine.

It's super easy, and it's got that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. let's get started, yeah?

Prep Like a Pro (or at Least Look Like One)

Essential mise en place is just a fancy way of saying "get your stuff together." wash and dry your 5 ounces of baby spinach.

Segment 2 oranges and 2 pink grapefruits. honestly, pre-cut citrus from the store is fine too. i won't judge! then, measure out all your dressing ingredients.

This step is key for time-saving organization . trust me .

From Zero to Salad Hero: Step-by-Step

Alright, here's the magic. This isn't rocket science, promise!

1. Toast ½ cup of those almonds! 3- 5 minutes in a dry pan. Watch them like a hawk or you'll burn them. Nobody wants burnt almonds.
2. Make that dressing! Whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and S&P to taste. The Best Spinach Salad Dressing ? It's up for debate. But this is pretty good!
3. Combine 5 ounces of spinach, those citrus segments, and the almonds in a bowl.
4. Drizzle with dressing! Not too much or it'll be soggy. Ew .
5. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of goat cheese, if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Okay, listen up, buttercup, because these will change your spinach salad game. my grandma always told me, "the devil's in the details" and that is never more truthful then with a spinach salad for thanksgiving.

• Toast, toast, toast! Never skip toasting the almonds. Adds so much flavor!
• Don't drown your greens! Add a little dressing at a time. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
• Make-ahead options are great. Best Spinach Salad if you make the dressing and toast the almonds beforehand!

Looking for healthy spinach salad recipes ? maybe spinach and bacon ? or even some bacon salad dressing recipes ? look no further, as this little number can be adapted to anything you want! and if you are looking for a good dressing for spinach salad or even a hot spinach salad you could even warm it up on a pan!.

As far as salads with spinach go, this one is a winner.

I hope you try this out! Honestly, let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes

This sunshine citrus spinach salad ? oh my gosh, it's a total game changer! honestly, it's one of my go-to healthy spinach salad recipes when i'm craving something light but satisfying.

Let's dive into some extra tips and tricks.

Sunshine on a Plate: Serving Suggestions

Presentation totally matters, you know? i like to arrange the salads with spinach on a platter, not just a bowl.

It makes it feel a bit more special. think about it: sunshine should be displayed , not hidden.

This best spinach salad pairs amazingly with a grilled piece of salmon. or even just a simple, crusty baguette. trust me on this.

For drinks, something bubbly like sparkling water with a lemon wedge is perfect. it just amps up that citrusy vibe.

It's also a nice addition for spinach salad for thanksgiving .

Storing the Goodness: Storage Tips

Leftovers? if you have any, store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge. but, honestly, it's best enjoyed fresh.

Soggy spinach is nobody’s friend. the dressing for spinach salad keeps well separately for a few days in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and use it as needed!

Freezing? Not recommended. Spinach gets sad and mushy. Just don’t do it. Reheating isn't really a thing for this salad either, unless you're really into warm spinach. But I wouldn't advise it.

Remix Time: Variations

Okay, so maybe you’re not feeling the citrus vibe? no worries! how about a spinach and bacon situation? swap the citrus for some crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of blue cheese.

Oh. my. word. seriously! or, if you're going vegan, just skip the goat cheese. for a hot spinach salad you can always lightly sauté the spinach before adding other ingredients.

For a dietary tweak, ditch the honey and use maple syrup. boom, vegan friendly. and for those who love bacon salad dressing recipes , swap the poppy seed for a bacon vinaigrette.

So good.

Fuel Your Body: Nutrition Basics

This salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. plus, the citrus gives you a vitamin c boost.

Almonds add healthy fats and protein. it's a win-win! one serving is roughly 250 calories. of course, this is just an estimate.

The nutrition will vary based on specific brands, portion sizes, and added ingredients like that cheeky goat cheese!

So there you have it. A delicious, healthy and versatile salad. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spinach salad ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee!

You can certainly prep some components in advance! The poppy seed dressing and toasted almonds can be made a day ahead and stored separately. However, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from getting soggy. No one wants a sad, wilted salad – think of it like soggy bottoms on Great British Bake Off, a total no-no!

I'm looking for more spinach salad ideas. What other things can I add to this salad to jazz it up?

The possibilities are endless, really! For a sweeter twist, try adding fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. For a savory kick, crumbled bacon or hard-boiled eggs are fantastic additions. If you need something more filling, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work well. Think of your spinach salad as a blank canvas – let your culinary creativity run wild!

How long will leftover spinach salad keep in the fridge? I hate wasting food!

Honestly, dressed spinach salad is best enjoyed immediately. Once the dressing is added, the spinach tends to wilt and become soggy within a few hours. If you have leftovers, try to store them undressed, and they might last for a day or two in an airtight container. Better yet, only dress what you're going to eat right away – that way, you're not throwing good money after bad, as they say!

I'm vegan. Can I still enjoy this Sunshine Citrus Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! Simply omit the goat cheese and use maple syrup (or agave) in the poppy seed dressing instead of honey. This will keep the entire salad plant-based and delicious. There are some great vegan feta alternatives too, so you can still get that cheesy tang!

What's the best way to wash spinach to make sure it's really clean? I always seem to find grit!

Ah, the dreaded spinach grit! The best way to ensure clean spinach is to rinse it thoroughly in a large bowl of cold water. Swish the spinach around to loosen any dirt, then lift the spinach out of the water, leaving the grit behind. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. A salad spinner is your best friend here - dry spinach clings to the dressing better!

Is spinach salad healthy? I'm trying to eat better, and I'm curious about the nutritional benefits.

You bet! Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This particular spinach salad ideas recipe offers a good dose of Vitamin C from the citrus, healthy fats from the almonds, and fiber from the spinach itself. Just be mindful of the amount of dressing you use, as that can add extra calories and fat. Everything in moderation, as they say!

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