Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
- Features a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.
- Easily customizable with additional toppings.
- Pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh baby spinach
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, sliced (optional)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Directions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves.
- Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber if using.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Include Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Toss in toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
- Add grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Include strawberries or blueberries for a sweet contrast.
- Add quinoa or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
- Use balsamic vinaigrette instead of the lemon dressing.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate until serving.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold and does not require reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to one day in advance. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
FAQs
Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?
Yes, but larger spinach leaves may need to be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry, grape, Roma, or vine-ripened tomatoes all work well in this salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the salad is naturally gluten-free when prepared with gluten-free ingredients.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Absolutely. A quality vinaigrette can be used if you’re short on time.
What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, steak, pasta dishes, or soups.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas are excellent additions.
How do I keep the spinach from becoming soggy?
Dry the spinach thoroughly and add the dressing only when ready to serve.
Can I substitute another cheese for feta?
Yes, goat cheese, blue cheese, or fresh mozzarella are great alternatives.
How long will the dressing last?
Homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases fresh ingredients at their best. The combination of crisp spinach, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and a bright homemade dressing creates a refreshing salad that works for any occasion. Whether served as a light meal or a side dish, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your collection of healthy and delicious favorites.
PrintSpinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese
Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese is a fresh Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring tender baby spinach, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and a bright homemade dressing. It’s a quick, nutritious dish perfect as a light meal or flavorful side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, sliced (optional)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves.
- Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber if using.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Include Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Toss in toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella for feta if desired.
- Store dressing separately until ready to serve.
- Prepared dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Serve alongside grilled meats, seafood, soups, or pasta dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg