Spinach-Orange Salad
A vibrant and refreshing spinach salad with bright orange segments, radishes, and green onions, dressed in a light hazelnut oil and white wine vinegar vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings, it offers a harmonious blend of citrusy, peppery, and earthy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive, vegetable hazelnut oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
- crumbled pinch of black pepper ⓘ
- pinch of ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced orange sections ⓘ
- 2 medium radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 green onion, including top, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh spinach, trimmed ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. white wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the oil, marjoram, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Add the orange sections, radishes, and green onion; toss well.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, tossing occasionally.
- Wash the spinach.
- Pat the spinach dry with paper towels and tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Just before serving, add the spinach and vinegar to the chilled ingredients.
- Toss well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try adding a handful of toasted nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, which pair beautifully with the citrus. If you don’t have marjoram, oregano or thyme can be good substitutes. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach-Orange Salad makes a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with Mediterranean recipes, offering a vibrant contrast to heavier dishes. For a complete meal, add some quinoa or chickpeas for protein, or serve it alongside Rosemary Roasted Potato Wedges for a delicious combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the spinach fresh, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. If the salad becomes soggy, gently toss in some fresh spinach to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Orange Salad contains roughly 344 calories, with 11g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 31g 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 use a different type of oil for the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils like avocado oil or a nut oil for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly depending on the oil you choose.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but it’s best to store the spinach and dressing separately until you're ready to serve. This helps maintain the freshness and texture of the salad. Prepare the other ingredients in advance for a quick assembly later.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more substantial, consider adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Feta cheese or avocado are also great additions that complement the flavors well and enhance the nutritional value.
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).