Dole Pineapple Spinach Salad
A vibrant, sweet and savory pineapple spinach salad with crispy bacon, red onion, and a tangy cider vinegar dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 1/2 cup of juice for the dressing.
- Mix pineapple with crumbled bacon, washed spinach, sliced celery, and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
- Combine the reserved pineapple juice with cider vinegar, vegetable oil, and oregano; mix well to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider substituting the bacon with crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you can't find fresh spinach, baby kale works well too. You can also adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. For a nutty flavor, try adding toasted almonds or walnuts to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Supper Omelet for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Pork recipes like grilled pork chops or BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the salad's crispness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If reheating, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat to avoid wilting the spinach too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dole Pineapple Spinach Salad contains roughly 279 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 906mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of cider vinegar?
If you don't have cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes, offering a similar acidity to balance the sweetness of the pineapple.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The ingredients can be prepped in advance, and you can store them separately. Just remember to add the dressing when you're ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).