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This easy spinach salad dressing is the BEST dressing for enhancing leafy green salads. With balsamic and Dijon, it’s bold, sweet, & takes minutes to prepare!
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Get Ready For The BEST Salad Dressing for Spinach Salad
First up, no, this isn’t a dressing made WITH spinach. Instead, this simple maple balsamic vinaigrette olive oil dressing is the best dressing FOR a spinach salad that’s also naturally vegan. It perfectly complements the flavor of spinach but will also boost all your favorite leafy greens, pasta salads (like this summer pasta salad), and grain salads (like this Southwest quinoa salad).
While fairly similar to our basic balsamic vinaigrette, this classic spinach salad dressing recipe has a paprika twist for a simple dressing that’s super bold in flavor, ready in minutes, made from basic pantry ingredients, and ready to transform your salads. It tastes so much better than store-bought versions, too.
Looking for more simple homemade dressings to try? Check out our easy hummus dressing, avocado green goddess dressing, or easy vegan Italian dressing.
The Ingredients and Substitutes
Variations to This Recipe for Spinach Salad Dressing
- Poppy seeds: Add 1 to 1 ½ tbsp poppy seeds for crunch. We particularly love serving this poppy seed dressing for spinach strawberry salad.
- Red onion/shallot: Add 1-2 tbsp finely minced for extra robust flavor.
- For spice: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Creamy spinach salad dressing: Add some vegan mayo and/or vegan yogurt.
- Citrus: Add 1-2 tbsp orange or lemon juice or 50/50 blend for a bright, citrusy flavor.
How to Make Balsamic Spinach Salad Dressing
Step 1: First, measure out the ingredients and add them to a small bowl or lidded jar. Whisk/shake the dressing until emulsified, then taste and adjust any ingredient.
Step 2: Enjoy the Dijon balsamic vinaigrette immediately, or for even better flavor, leave the flavors to meld for an hour or two first. Enjoy!
For the creamiest emulsion, slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking constantly (or use a small blender).
Pro Recipe Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: For the best spinach salad dressing, use good-quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, etc.
- Tweak the flavors: Make sure to taste it and adjust accordingly.
- Leave the flavors to meld: If you have the time, we HIGHLY recommend allowing the dressing at least an hour for the flavors to meld/marinate.
Serving Suggestions
Not only is this easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe the best dressing for spinach salad, but you can also enjoy it over:
- Strawberry kale salad (just as delicious with spinach)
- Kale quinoa salad
- Apple pecan salad
- Vegan broccoli salad
- Garbanzo bean kale salad
- Wild rice fall salad
- Lemon orzo salad
- Shaved Brussels sprout salad
Storage Instructions
Store the balsamic spinach salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, shaking/whisking it thoroughly between servings. If the oil has solidified, bring it back to room temperature first or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
You can also freeze the dressing in 1-2 tablespoon portions in an ice cube tray for 3-4 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature, whisk/shake, and enjoy.
More Vegan Dressing Recipes
Vegan Sauces & Condiments
Basil Salad Dressing
Vegan Lunches
Cilantro and Green Chili Dressing
Vegan Lunches
Lemon Dressing
If you tried this spinach salad dressing recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Spinach Salad Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of agave or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a jar with a lid, add all of the ingredients and mix well. Taste and adjust any ingredients to taste.
- Cover with the lid and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: For the best spinach salad dressing, use good-quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, etc.
- Tweak the flavors: Make sure to taste it and adjust accordingly.
- Leave the flavors to meld: If you have the time, we HIGHLY recommend allowing the dressing at least an hour for the flavors to meld/marinate.
Love how tasty this dressing is!