This spinach salad will get you more compliments than any other! Every time I serve this salad, people ask me to send the recipe to them before they even finish the meal. It is packed with colorful flavor and nutritious ingredients. On a bed of baby green spinach, you get the creamy smooth crumbled feta, nutty crunch toasted almonds, and cranberries, all topped with a sweet and zesty poppyseed dressing.
Spinach is so good for you and you should always be looking for ways to increase this power food in your diet. It has been said that it is one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world. Like WOW! Ok, but not a fan of Spinach cooked to be honest which is why I am admitting it here, and now, I have a spinach salad obsession.
Just thinking about this perky little dressing makes my mouth watery! A citrus kiss from the fresh lemon and orange juice and a zing from the dijon mustard with a hint of sweetness from the honey. Hmmm, isn’t it amazing when great dishes come together this easily? It leaves plenty of time for enjoying your meal and all you plan to share it with! Definitely, a go-to when I entertain and want to put out something unique for the guest to enjoy!
This spinach salad with orange poppy dressing is:
- Fresh and healthy
- Naturally gluten-free
- Full of vitamin C
- Quick to prepare, therefore great for last-minute gatherings
- A perfect way to use summer produce
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE SPINACH SALAD WITH ORANGE POPPY DRESSING
- Baby spinach
- Crumbled feta
- Sliced almonds
- Dried cranberries
- Virgin olive oil
- Canola oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Orange zest
- Orange juice
- Poppy seeds
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Honey
HOW TO MAKE SPINACH SALAD WITH ORANGE POPPY DRESSING
This dressing is just as simple as ABDC…!!! Pulse olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt in a blender.
I use my Ninja Blender that has crazy power. It comes with all of these attachments so it is definitely worth the kitchen counter real estate you give it. Just take the “smoothie” container noted in the picture below, screw on the blade and invert it into the blender base. Give it a whirl and you will see how incredibly quick this Ninja emulsifies the oil and juice into one.
If you do not have one of these in your kitchen you are missing something for sure! Check it out!
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Pulse until well emulsified, and then pour into an a mason jar and stir in poppy seeds. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Add all salad ingredients (dried cranberries, crumbled feta, almonds, baby spinach) and add dressing and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately!
QUICK PRO TIPS
The Orange poppy seed dressing thickens when chilled in the fridge. So it is excellent when made the day before and let it refrigerate overnight.
You can use prepared orange juice instead of freshly juiced orange, as the recipe calls for. It provides a sweeter taste.
My favorite pairs are avocado, chicken, and bacon. They make this spinach salad a great meal.
For the vegan followers, Follow Your Heart brand of vegan cheese is our personal favorite. They have a Feta Crumbles product that you can substitute here that will not miss a beat!
If you are looking to whip up another great salad, then you MUST make my Peppery Parmesan Garlic Salad Dressing to pour over your favorite salad veggies.
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