Easy Arugula and Spinach Salad Recipe: Fresh, Vibrant, and Full of Flavor!

If you’re looking for a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Arugula and Spinach Salad is the perfect go-to. It combines the peppery bite of arugula with the mild, leafy texture of spinach, creating a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re after a light side or something more substantial, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s the kind of salad that can elevate your meal, making it the perfect addition to your easy weeknight dinners, healthy comfort food, or quick family meals. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel great about eating it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Arugula and Spinach Salad is not just easy to make but bursting with flavor. The peppery arugula complements the mild spinach perfectly, giving you a delicious balance of tastes in every bite. Tossed with fresh veggies, creamy feta cheese, and a light lemon dressing, it’s a salad that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. And the best part? It’s incredibly flexible, so you can swap in your favorite toppings, making it a healthy meal plan that works for everyone.

If you’re trying to stick to a keto meal plan or need something for your high protein meal plan, you can easily add grilled chicken or your favorite protein to make it more filling. It’s also an amazing addition to any high-protein keto meal plan, and you can even prep it in advance, making it a fantastic meal prep option. So whether you’re serving it as a quick, healthy side dish, or turning it into a main meal, this salad is a winner all around.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

• Flavor balance: The combination of arugula’s peppery kick and spinach’s sweetness is what makes this salad stand out. It’s a flavor profile you can’t get from just any leafy green salad.
• Customizable: You can add whatever toppings or proteins you like to make it your own. Grilled chicken? Shrimp? Maybe even vegan meal prep options like tofu or chickpeas? The possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for any meal: Whether it’s an appetizer, side dish, or even the main course, this salad adapts to your needs, making it one of those high-protein high-carb low-fat meals that work any time of the day.
• Quick and easy: Prep is minimal, with most of the work done in the chopping. You won’t spend long in the kitchen, which makes it a great option for busy weeknight dinners or even meal planning chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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You don’t need much to make this delicious salad! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh baby arugula
• Fresh baby spinach
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Cucumber (sliced)
• Avocado (diced)
• Feta cheese (crumbled)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Tip: If you want to make this salad even more filling or high-protein, consider adding grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by washing and drying your arugula and spinach leaves. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Dice the avocado and crumble the feta cheese.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix everything together.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
5. Serve and enjoy: This salad is best served immediately while it’s fresh and crisp, but you can also store the greens and dressing separately if preparing ahead of time.

Tips for Best Results

• Add protein: If you’re looking for a high protein meal, toss in grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. It will make this salad even more filling and provide the extra boost you need to meet your protein goals.
• Customize the toppings: Add toasted nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for an extra crunch. You could also add fruits like strawberries, apple slices, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Dress it up: You can swap the lemon dressing for balsamic vinaigrette if you’re craving something with a deeper, tangier flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese alternatives: Not a fan of feta? You can swap it for goat cheese, Parmesan, or even a plant-based cheese alternative if you want to make it vegan.
• Greens options: While arugula and spinach make the perfect combo for this salad, you can add in other leafy greens like kale, romaine, or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
• Sweet fruits: Try adding fruits like sliced strawberries, apples, or even oranges for a sweet twist. The combination of sweet and savory always hits the spot!
• Vegan option: If you’re following a vegan meal prep plan, simply leave out the cheese or swap it for a vegan cheese, and use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

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• This salad is perfect on its own as a light lunch or dinner. But it can also be paired with a variety of proteins for a more substantial meal. Here are a few ideas:
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp for a high protein meal.
  • Salmon or tofu for a healthy, vegetarian option.
  • Grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous if you want to make it heartier and high in protein and carbs.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Pair with a crisp, cold white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing touch.
• For sides, try roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or whole-grain bread for a well-rounded meal.
• Looking for a keto-friendly side? A serving of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles would be an excellent choice.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the greens can wilt once dressed. If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the undressed salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the dressing and toss to coat.

To store the dressing, place it in a separate container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the greens and toppings in advance, and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together with the dressing.
• Freezer Tip: This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh greens won’t hold up well after freezing. However, you can freeze the dressing for up to a month if you want to prep ahead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdressing the salad: Be careful not to pour too much dressing on the salad. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. You want the greens to be lightly coated, not drowning in dressing.
• Letting the salad sit for too long: The greens will wilt if you let the salad sit for too long, so make sure to serve it immediately after tossing. If you want to prepare in advance, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use only spinach or only arugula?
  Yes, but the combination of both provides a wonderful balance of flavor and texture. However, you can definitely make it with just one type of green if you prefer.
• What other greens can I add to this salad?
  Feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like kale, mixed baby greens, or romaine lettuce.
• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
  Absolutely! The dressing can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• How do I keep the avocado from browning?
  Add the avocado right before serving, and toss it with a little lemon juice to keep it fresh.
• Is this salad vegan?
  Yes, as long as you omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large salad bowl for tossing
• Small whisk or jar for the dressing
• Knife and chopping board for slicing and dicing

This Arugula and Spinach Salad is a quick, fresh, and nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. It’s easy to customize and makes a great addition to your meal prep or dinner routine.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!