Spinach-Cucumber Salad
A fresh, crunchy spinach and cucumber salad with a nutty peanut topping, perfect for light lunches or side dishes, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumber into a bowl.
- Pour the herb salad dressing over the cucumber slices, cover, and refrigerate.
- Wash the spinach and remove the stems; dry the leaves.
- Tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces and place in a salad bowl.
- Pour the cucumber slices with dressing over the spinach.
- Add salted peanuts and toss the salad to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a homemade vinaigrette instead of store-bought herb salad dressing. If you're looking for a nut-free version, substitute the salted peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also enhance the salad. Always wash your spinach thoroughly to remove any grit.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach-Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues. Serve it alongside recipes like St. Mark'S Chili Recipe or Coleslaw Souffle Salad for a complete spread. For a heartier option, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the spinach to wilt over time, so it’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you want to refresh the salad, toss it lightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Cucumber Salad contains roughly 117 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cucumber and spinach in advance. However, it’s best to add the dressing and peanuts just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and crunch.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Spinach-Cucumber Salad can easily be made vegan by ensuring the herb salad dressing is plant-based. Check the ingredients, as some dressings may contain dairy or other non-vegan components.
What variations can I try with this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding fruits like sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges for a sweet contrast. Experiment with different nuts or seeds as toppings, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to enhance texture and flavor.
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).