Spinach And Arugula Salad

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This delicious spinach and arugula salad with fresh cherry tomatoes and goat cheese is simple and easy to make – ready in 10 minutes! Tossed with a homemade dressing, it is the perfect accompaniment to a picnic, BBQ, potluck, or a light lunch.

The bright flavors in this salad are some of my favorites! While it’s a simple salad, the combination of peppery arugula, fresh baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy goat cheese crumbles make it an instant winner.

The unexpected crunch of toasted almonds adds an extra layer of delight to this easy salad recipe. Plus, the homemade salad dressing gives it a tangy twist that compliments the salad ingredients perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this dish in your recipe card collection!

This spinach arugula salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch or as a healthy side dish to your main course. Plus, it is super easy to customize! Feel free to change up the veggies, or add in some plant-based protein (or grilled chicken if you’re not vegetarian) for an extra boost. 

This dish is the perfect way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet in the most delicious way. And the best part? This is a salad that even the kids will love!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love Spinach and Arugula Salad

• Quick And Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a homemade dressing, this salad can be ready in just ten minutes. It is a perfect light lunch or side dish when you’re short on time but still want a healthy, delicious meal.
• Gluten-Free: This spinach and arugula salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. And with its combination of fresh ingredients, it is a dish that everyone can enjoy.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of spinach and arugula is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for family meals. With its blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients and simple preparation, it is sure to become a new favorite salad in your household.
• Versatile: This spinach arugula salad recipe is so easy to customize! You can easily switch up the cheese or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Plus, it is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a main course with added protein.
• Perfect For Beginner Cooks: With its easy recipe and minimal ingredients, this salad is a great starting point for beginner cooks. Plus, the homemade salad dressing allows you to experiment with different flavors in a forgiving way.

🥘 Ingredients

This vibrant spinach and arugula salad calls for simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Everything you need can easily be found at your local grocery store, making this the perfect salad recipe to whip up any day of the week. For a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions, see the recipe card below.

Salad Ingredients:

• Corn: We used organic corn to add a sweet crunch to the salad. I recommend fresh corn if you can find some, as it will provide the best flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: The tomatoes not only add a pop of color but also a juicy texture to this arugula spinach salad. When quartered or halved, they blend perfectly with the leafy greens and provide the best burst of flavor.
• Fresh Arugula: The star of our salad, fresh arugula, adds a peppery flavor that makes this salad stand out. It’s a leafy green that’s packed with nutrients and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Baby spinach is a mild yet nutrient-rich green that adds volume and a soft texture. It’s the perfect addition alongside the bold arugula.
• Goat Cheese Crumbles: The creamy goat cheese crumbles add a tangy, rich flavor. 
• Sliced Almonds: These add a delightful crunch to every bite. They also provide a good dose of healthy fats.

Homemade Dressing Ingredients:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is used to lightly dress the salad, adding a hint of smooth, rich taste. It also helps to blend the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A dash of balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the greens and tomatoes beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the salad dressing ingredients.
• Minced Fresh Garlic: This is optional, but if you’re a fan of garlic, it adds a nice kick to this salad with spinach and arugula. 

🍲 Ingredient Substitutions

• Corn: Fresh corn is recommended for this vibrant salad. However, if you can’t find any, you can use frozen and thawed or canned corn instead. 
• Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute them with any small, sweet tomato or even regular diced tomatoes.
• Cheese: You can use any kind of cheese you like. Parmesan cheese or a sharp cheddar would work great. If you love cheese, consider using a variety of cheeses instead! Some different cheeses I recommend include blue cheese and feta cheese crumbles.
• Nuts: You can substitute the almonds with other nuts, such as pine nuts or pecans.
• Oil: If you prefer, you can use another neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for balsamic vinegar. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it can work in a pinch. Another great option is white balsamic vinegar.

🔪 How To Make Spinach and Arugula Salad

Craving a light lunch or a healthy side dish? Here’s how to make this easy spinach arugula salad! For the full recipe and measurements, keep scrolling to the bottom of the post.

Combine Your Greens: In a large salad bowl, add your fresh arugula and delicious spinach. 

Add Other Veggies: If you’re using corn, ensure it’s cooked, cooled, and cut off the cob before adding it to your bowl. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness. Lastly, add creamy goat cheese for a delicious contrast in textures.

Combine Your Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and one to two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar. Add salt and black pepper to taste. For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding half a teaspoon of fresh minced.

Whisk Your Dressing: Whisk these simple ingredients together until well combined. This homemade salad dressing will add so much flavor to your green salad.

Toss Salad With Dressing: Pour the dressing over the ingredients in your salad bowl. Toss gently to ensure every leaf is coated with your balsamic vinaigrette.

Top With Almonds: Finally, top your salad with slivered toasted almonds. These add a delicious crunch and a hint of nuttiness, making this salad a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy your fresh spinach and arugula salad!

💭 Expert Tips

• Wash And Dry Greens: Gently wash the arugula and spinach in cold water and then pat dry with a paper towel. Alternatively, you can use a salad spinner to remove excess water. It is important to fully dry your greens so that the dressing is not diluted.
• Prepare In Advanced: You can prepare the ingredients and salad dressing separately ahead of time. They can be stored in the fridge until it is time to enjoy!
• Avoid Wilting: Toss the salad 5-10 minutes before serving so the arugula doesn’t wilt before people have a chance to eat it!

📖 Variations

There are so many delicious ways to change up this easy spinach and arugula salad! 

• Plant-Based Protein Boost: If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, consider adding some cooked quinoa or chickpeas to this simple arugula salad. Just toss them in with the other salad ingredients before serving. This will not only add a nice texture to your salad but also make it more filling.
• Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, try adding more nuts or seeds. Toast them in a pan over medium heat until they’re slightly golden, then add them right before serving. They’ll add a delicious texture and a boost of healthy fats. You could also add a great texture with diced sweet onions, sliced radishes, or diced cucumbers.
• Sweet And Savory: If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, try adding some sliced apple, pomegranate arils, and thin slices of red onions to your salad. The sweetness of the apple slices and pomegranate pairs perfectly with the sharp red onion, peppery arugula, and tangy goat cheese. Drizzle some maple syrup or mix brown sugar in the dressing to make it pop in the most delicious and unexpected ways.
• Other Greens: If you’re a fan of leafy greens, why not add some more? Try adding some romaine lettuce or red leaf lettuce to this salad. Not only will they add more volume, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Feel free to add any other salad greens you love for the perfect summer salad! I love adding a little bit of lemon zest with the leafy greens!
• Grilled Chicken Addition: If you’re looking for a salad that can serve as a main course, consider adding some grilled chicken breast. Just season the chicken with some sea salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Then grill it until it’s fully cooked, slice it, and add it to your salad.
• Creamy Version: For a healthy addition, try adding in some avocado slices. They’ll add a smooth texture and are also packed with healthy fats and fiber. Creamy avocado also pairs wonderfully with the tangy balsamic vinegar dressing.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This delicious arugula salad with spinach is a versatile dish that can easily find its place alongside your next meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Italian Dishes: This salad pairs beautifully with Italian dishes. Serve it next to a tofu pasta, vegetable lasagna, or a veggie supreme pizza for a delicious contrast of flavors. You can even sprinkle some on top of your pizza for a fresh twist!
• BBQ Nights: This salad is a refreshing side for your next BBQ. It pairs well with a variety of high protein veggie burgers, and even corn cobs straight off the grill.
• Side Dish Or Appetizer: Serve this as a healthy side salad to balance out a hearty main course. It’s an excellent companion to grilled vegan dishes or even a rich and creamy healthy risotto.
• With Sandwiches: This zesty arugula and spinach salad adds a fresh, crisp element when served alongside sandwiches. Try it with a classic vegan chicken sandwich, a Greek pita sandwich, or your favorite vegan wrap for a great side dish.
• Salad Buffet: Make a large bowl of this salad for your next potluck or family gathering. It’s a great addition to a salad buffet, pairing well with other leafy greens, or classics like Caprese salad, Caesar salad, or Greek salad.

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This simple spinach and arugula salad recipe is already gluten-free, and almost dairy-free, making it a great choice for those with various dietary restrictions. Here are some easy adaptations to make it fit your specific needs:

• Vegan and Dairy-Free Option: The only ingredient in this salad recipe that isn’t dairy-free is the goat cheese crumbles. To make this salad completely dairy-free, you can simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with any dairy-free cheese alternative found at your local grocery store. You can also try pairing it with my vegan thousand island dressing.
• Nut-Free Option: This recipe includes sliced almonds. If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almonds. For a similar crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.

🫙 Storage Directions

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Remember to keep the salad dressing separate in a glass jar to prevent the leafy greens from wilting.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients. Leafy greens like spinach and arugula tend to wilt and lose their texture when frozen and thawed.
• Reheating: This arugula and spinach salad is best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature. If you’ve stored the salad and dressing separately, simply toss them together and enjoy!

❓Recipe FAQs

🥗 More Healthy Salad Recipes!

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• Beetroot And Feta Salad
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• Apple Walnut Salad
• Keto Greek Salad
• Roasted Pumpkin Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Salad

📋 Recipe Card