Easy 10 minute Spinach Salad Dressing made with simple ingredients is zesty and delicious. Drizzle it on any type of salad!

Every great salad needs a flavorful dressing! I bet you’ll love my Asian salad dressing and balsamic dressing!

Spinach salad dressing in a glass jar with spinach salad and parmesan cheese in bowls on a counter.

Spinach salad dressing is super light and refreshing and our new go-to topping for a classic spinach salad, avocado spinach salad, or spinach strawberry salad.

It also adds a zesty taste to a hearty quinoa salad or pasta salad.

Skip the grocery store and make your own healthy salad dressing. This dressing for spinach salad is my newest addition, healthier than store bought, and has so much flavor.

Ingredients and Notes

The best spinach salad dressing recipe is made with everyday simple ingredients.

Royal, red wine vinegar, red onion, sugar, dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
  • Red onion: Minced very small.
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best for salad dressing recipes to avoid unhealthy fats and add the most flavor.
  • Red wine vinegar: Is the base of the dressing and adds a sharp tang.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of a kick. It’s also used to emulsify the oil and vinegar.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the flavors and make this spinach salad dressing pop. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar alternative like swerve or monk fruit sweetener.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste!

How to Make Spinach Salad Dressing

After dicing your red onion, it’s as easy as measure, combine and enjoy! Here is a quick photo overview how to make spinach salad dressing from scratch. There is also full recipe card below.

Step-by-step process how to mince red onion and make spinach salad dressing with it.
  • Dice the onion: Use a sharp knife and mince the onion very small.
  • Combine ingredients: Add all 7 ingredients to a small bowl.
  • Whisk: Until completely blended and smooth, vinaigrette should be lighter in color. You can also pour ingredients into a mason jar and shake well to combine.
  • Taste and serve: Taste and adjust spinach salad dressing to your liking, see notes below. Drizzle over your spinach salad and serve.

Tips for Best Results

Here are some quick tips on how to make the perfect spinach salad dressing.

  • Use quality olive oil: Avoid unhealthy oils and use 100% pure extra-virgin olive oil. It’s highly nutritious, more flavorful, and can jazz up the simplest salad.
  • Swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup: Use equal amounts of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Honey is great for a summer salad and maple syrup makes a delicious fall-inspired dressing.
  • Taste test before serving: Easily customize this spinach salad dressing recipe to your liking. Make it creamy with extra Dijon mustard, sweeten it with honey, add more vinegar for a sharper flavor, or omit red wine vinegar and try fresh lemon or lime juice for a milder dressing.
  • Experiment with vinegars: White wine vinegar will add a warmer mellower flavor. For an Italian inspired dressing for spinach salad, you can use balsamic vinegar. And apple cider vinegar makes a sweeter dressing with a hint of fruit.
A bowl with spinach salad with avocado, almonds, parmesan cheese and spinach salad dressing drizzled on top.

Serving Spinach Salad Dressing

This healthy spinach salad dressing is packed with tangy flavor, you’ll want to enjoy every last drop.

Drizzle it over a salad, use it as a quick marinade, or a zesty dip!

How to Store It

Store any leftover spinach salad dressing in a sealable jar and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. I like to double or triple the recipe to keep as an everyday dressing or dip.

You may need to let it warm a bit to make sure it mixes well. Place your jar in a bowl with warm water for a few minutes. Keep the lid on and shake well before dressing the salad.

FAQs

Can I make spinach salad dressing in advance?

Homemade salad dressings are great for meal prep. Combine ingredients, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir before each use.

Can I use any oil?

A high quality extra-virgin oil is best for a good salad dressing because of its strong flavor. You could also use any light, neutral-flavored oil like sunflower oil for a more subtle flavor. Avocado oil can also be used.

My spinach salad dressing has solidified in the fridge. What do I do?

Salad dressings solidify in the fridge because of oils. Place the small jar in a large bowl with warm water for a few minutes or leave it on the counter for 30 minutes.

What else can I add to the dressing?

You can add a variety of flavors by adding herbs and spices like minced ginger, minced garlic, dried basil, dried parsley, dried thyme, cumin, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice.

Garnishing the salad with nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts pair well with this spinach salad dressing.

More Salad Dressing Recipes to Try

Close up of spinach salad dressing with red onion on a spoon.
Spinach salad dressing in a glass jar with spinach salad and parmesan cheese in bowls on a counter.

Spinach Salad Dressing

Easy 10 minute Spinach Salad Dressing made with simple ingredients is zesty and delicious. Drizzle on any salad!
5 from 3 votes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 97
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Mince the red onion and transfer to a small bowl.
  • To the bowl, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Whisk until smooth and lighter in color. Adjust any seasonings to taste, if you wish.
  • Drizzle over spinach salad or any favorite leafy green salad, quinoa salad or pasta salad.

Notes

  • Store: Refrigerate in a glass airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Lemon juice: Use instead of red wine vinegar. Experiment with other vinegars or try lime juice.
  • Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup instead.
  • This recipe makes about 3/4 cups.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 tablespoons | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 189mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g
Course: Salad Dressing
Cuisine: American
Author: Olena Osipov
Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Your salads and salad dressings are exceptional.
    Offering so many variations/substitutes makes them pleasing to all taste preferences. Thank you.

5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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