Spinach Salad Dressing Recipe

I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen with simple yet delightful flavors. My Spinach Salad Dressing recipe combines fresh spinach, zesty lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and a touch of honey for balance. This refreshing dressing brings a bright and crisp twist to any salad I prepare every day.

I came across this Spinach Salad Dressing recipe that instantly became one of my favs for its fresh and tangy kick. It all started when I experimented with blending spinach leaves with 2 cups of fresh, roughly chopped spinach, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

I then added a splash of red wine vinegar, a small minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to elevate the flavor. Sometimes I even mix in a teaspoon of honey if I’m in the mood for a subtle hint of sweetness.

I love how this dressing not only livens up a regular salad but also works great drizzled over roasted potatoes. It’s a simple, homemade vinaigrette salad that really brings the taste of fresh ingredients into every bite.

Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to skip making this at home.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it feels so fresh and natural. The spinach and lemon juice give the dressing a bright, tangy flavor that makes my salads way more interesting. I also love that its super simple to make; I can throw all the ingredients in a blender and get a tasty dressing in just a couple minutes. Plus, knowing that its healthy makes me feel good every time I use it. Lastly, its versatile enough that I can experiment by adding extra spices or a bit more honey if im in the mood for something different.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for a crunchy, healthy boost.
• Extra virgin olive oil offers good fats and a rich, smooth flavor binding the dressing.
• Fresh lemon juice brings a tangy, bright note that really lifts up the mix.
• Red wine vinegar adds a slight acidity which nicely balances the other flavors.
• Minced garlic gives a savory kick that spices up the overall taste.
• Dijon mustard smooths the dressing with a tangy depth and a bit of heat.
• Honey, if added, lightly sweetens the mix, balancing the tang and spice perfectly.
• Salt and pepper season the dressing round out and enhance all the flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
• Optional 1 teaspoon honey for a touch of sweetness

How to Make this

1. First, wash your spinach leaves and chop them roughly – this makes it easier for all the flavors to mix together.

2. Grab a blender and put the chopped spinach in it.

3. Pour in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar.

4. Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the blender.

5. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; if you like a hint of sweetness, toss in 1 teaspoon honey.

6. Blend all the ingredients until smooth; if it’s too thick, you can add a splash more olive oil or a bit of water.

7. Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. Drizzle over your salad, mix well, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander (or just a bowl at the sink) to wash your fresh spinach leaves
2. A cutting board to lay out the leaves and other ingredients
3. A knife for roughly chopping the spinach and mincing the garlic
4. A blender to combine all dressing ingredients into a smooth mix
5. Measuring cups and spoons so you can get the right amounts of oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and honey
6. A tasting spoon to check the seasoning before drizzling over your salad
7. A salad bowl to mix the dressing with your greens or your final salad dish

FAQ

Spinach Salad Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t get fresh spinach leaves, try using arugula or mixed greens as a cool, peppery twist.
• Out of extra virgin olive oil? Avocado oil works pretty well and has a slight nutty flavor.
• If you’re missing fresh lemon juice, you could use lime juice or even a splash of white wine vinegar.
• Don’t have red wine vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is a decent substitute that will still give you that tang.
• For Dijon mustard, yellow mustard might do the trick if you’re in a pinch (although it might be a bit milder).

Pro Tips

1. When you blend your ingredients, don’t be surprised if it comes out thicker than you expected. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of water or a little more olive oil until it reaches a nice drizzling consistency.

2. Give it a little rest after blending. Let the dressing sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before drizzling it over your salad. That extra time lets all the flavours mix together better and makes it taste even more awesome.

3. Always taste it as you go. Even though the recipe lists salt and lemon juice, sometimes you might need to add a bit more to suit your taste. Don’t worry about following the recipe blindly – adjust it until it feels just right.

4. If you’re in the mood for a bit of texture, try pulsing the blender just a few times instead of fully blending to smooth out the dressing. Leaving in a few small spinach bits can add a fun crunch to your salad.