Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that celebrates bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese is exactly what you need. Imagine tender spinach leaves mingling with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red onion, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by a lively homemade dressing. This dish isn’t just a side—it’s a full-on flavor adventure and a total showstopper whether you’re prepping a weekday lunch or jazzing up your next dinner spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its fresh, uncomplicated ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen: some add crunch, others bring tang, and together they create a salad that feels both special and effortless every single time.

• Red wine vinegar: Offers a tangy punch that keeps the salad lively and fresh.
• Olive oil: Adds silky richness, tying the dressing together beautifully.
• Garlic (minced): Delivers just the right aromatic kick—don’t skip it!
• Dijon mustard: Lends subtle warmth and depth to the vinaigrette.
• Honey: Balances out the sharpness for a dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
• Feta cheese (crumbled): Tangy and creamy, it lifts every bite of this salad.
• Red onion (sliced): Adds zing and a beautiful pop of color.
• Grape tomatoes (halved): Juicy sweetness that bursts in every mouthful.
• English cucumber (cubed): Brings a cooling crunch—don’t peel, the skin gives extra texture!
• Spinach leaves (roughly chopped): The hearty, nutrient-packed base of the salad.
• Pumpkin seeds: Unexpected crunch and a subtle nuttiness that’s just perfect.
• Salt & black pepper (to taste): Because a little seasoning makes the flavors sing.

How to Make Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing Together

Start by gathering up your dressing ingredients: red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey. Add them all to a small bowl and give everything a thorough whisk. The mustard will help emulsify the dressing, making it creamy and perfectly blended. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust here—a little extra honey or vinegar transforms the vibe!

Step 2: Assemble the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, halved grape tomatoes, cubed cucumber, and roughly chopped spinach leaves. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the top, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Every ingredient brings its own magic: creamy, crisp, sweet, and tangy, all getting ready to shine together.

Step 3: Toss and Dress

Gently toss the salad ingredients so everything is evenly distributed. Pour the dressing over the top, and then toss again—this time a bit more enthusiastically! The goal is for the dressing to coat every leaf and every chunk so you get a little taste of everything in each bite. Serve immediately and bask in the vibrant colors and irresistible aromas.

How to Serve Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese

Garnishes

Finish your Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese with a handful of extra crumbled feta, a few more pumpkin seeds for crunch, or even a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. If you have fresh herbs—like dill, basil, or parsley—roughly chop them and scatter on top to really make the flavors pop and elevate its visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad plays nicely with nearly any main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a wholesome meal, or serve alongside a warm soup and crusty bread for comforting dinner vibes. Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese also works wonders as part of a mezze platter, surrounded by olives, hummus, and pita.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering your Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese in glass jars for outdoor picnics, or serve it family-style on a wide platter for a dramatic statement at the table. It also looks beautiful in individual bowls nestled inside fresh butter lettuce leaves or wrapped in tortillas as a quick, flavorful wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If possible, store the dressing separately so the spinach stays perky, and just toss everything together right before you eat.

Freezing

Salads like Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese don’t freeze well—the fresh vegetables and feta lose their gorgeous texture and flavor when thawed. For the best taste and crunch, enjoy this salad freshly made.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. There’s no need (or benefit) to reheating; just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and wake up those flavors.

FAQs

Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach?

Absolutely! Baby spinach is tender and sweet, perfect for salads. You can use it as a direct swap for regular chopped spinach in your Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese.

What’s the best way to slice the onion to keep it mild?

Slice the red onion thinly and, if you find it too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for ten minutes before adding them to the salad. This trick softens their flavor for a gentler bite.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! While feta cheese is classic, you can swap in goat cheese for creaminess or even a mild blue cheese for a bolder taste. Just know it’ll slightly change the signature Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese flavor.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To veganize Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese, simply swap the feta for your favorite dairy-free option and use maple syrup in place of honey in the dressing.

How far in advance can I make the salad?

You can prep all the veggies and make the dressing a day ahead, but don’t toss everything together until just before serving. That way, the spinach stays crisp and the flavors fresh!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again—for lunches, dinners, potlucks, and every moment in between. Give it a go, and don’t forget to make it your own with any extra touches you love!

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