Spinach Arugula Salad

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This spinach arugula salad recipe with roasted peppers and feta is simply perfect when you need a crowd-pleasing, goes-with-everything side salad ready in no time!

Spinach arugula salad served with gold spoons.

I don’t know about you, but I love a simple, healthy side dish to pair with my meals. And this salad with arugula and spinach is just that!

This vibrant green salad is only 8 ingredients and is super easy to make. It’s perfect for serving to your guests at your next al fresco dinner party or enjoying with your family on a summer evening. It’s pretty customisable, but roasted peppers and feta are my favourite additions for a lovely sweet and salty flavour. You could add anything to meet your unique needs and preferences.

Close up shot of the spinach arugula salad.

Ingredients you’ll need

All you need to make this spinach and arugula salad recipe are 8 simple, healthy ingredients.

Baby Spinach & Arugula: I love the combination of leafy, tender baby spinach and peppery arugula (rocket) kick pairs with the rest of the salad ingredients.
Baby Spinach & Arugula: I love the combination of leafy, tender baby spinach and the peppery kick of arugula (rocket), which pairs perfectly with the rest of the salad ingredients.
Feta cheese: Provides such a tangy, salty contrast to the roasted peppers.
Pine nuts: We toast them up for a nutty flavour, some added crunch + healthy fats!
Roasted peppers: I've used jarred peppers here as they have so much flavour and sweetness.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice provides a lovely brightness and acidity to the dressing.
Balsamic: Also used in the salad dressing.
Olive oil: Just 1 tablespoon is needed to emulsify the dressing.

The complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to make Spinach Arugula Salad

Salad dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble salad: Place the baby spinach and arugula in a large salad bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and sliced roasted peppers to the bowl.

Combine: Drizzle the prepared salad dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss.

Modifications & Ingredient Swaps

Add grains: Incorporate 1 cup of cooked grains like farro, quinoa, or barley for a heartier salad. Just toss them in with the rest of the ingredients.
Pasta salad: Include pasta or couscous to create a pasta salad! Choose any small pasta shape you prefer and cook according to package instructions. Let it cool before adding it to the salad.
Cheese: Instead of feta, try goat cheese, dollops of ricotta, or Parmesan. For a vegan version, simply use a dairy-free alternative such as vegan feta or nutritional yeast.
Extra roasted veggies: Enhance the flavour with additional roasted veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, or corn! Simply roast them alongside the peppers or prepare them separately and add them to the salad.
Add protein: you can add protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa to make this salad a complete and filling meal.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Substitute roasted peppers with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavour profile. You can use them straight from the jar or rehydrate dried sun-dried tomatoes before adding them to the salad. Adjust the quantity to your taste preferences.

How to store

Keep this spinach arugula salad fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Add dressing only to the portion you plan to eat immediately to prevent the leafy greens from getting soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This green salad pairs well with a variety of main courses! Here are some ideas:

Pasta Bakes: This salad complements any pasta dish, from Vegan Eggplant Rollatini to lasagna, to creamy vegan pasta bakes to sun-dried tomato pasta.
Casseroles: The freshness of this salad makes it a great accompaniment to hearty dishes like Salmon + Broccoli Quiche, Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake, or Silverbeet Tortilla Quiche.
Tacos and Burgers: Serve this salad alongside my Crispy Black Bean Tacos or Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Mix them together with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

What does arugula go well with?

Arugula's peppery and slightly bitter flavour complements a variety of ingredients. It pairs well with citrus fruits, cheeses, toasted nuts, berries, tomatoes, cooked grains, proteins, and herbs like basil or mint, with a drizzle of olive oil.

Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can omit the cheese entirely or use a dairy-free alternative such as vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal?

Yes, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa to make this salad a complete and filling meal.

I'm not a fan of balsamic vinegar. Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar according to your taste preferences.

More simple salad recipes

Cucumber Peach Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Cucumber Beetroot Salad

If you try this spinach arugula salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.