Super Simple Spinach Side Salad

I will not lie to you, this spinach side salad is nothing special. It’s a simple side salad chock full of fresh vegetables to help you meet your daily quota. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a heavy dish because it doesn’t add any more cheese or nuts of anything. Just vegetables and of course, an easy vinaigrette.

This spinach side salad is a basic garden salad except with spinach to give it an additional nutritional punch. Spinach has so many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, not to mention that it is high in fiber but low in calories making it the perfect bed for the other crunchy and colorful vegetables in this salad that make it the perfect side.

Today, I am using cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, red peppers, red onions, and parsley, but you can use any veggies in your fridge that look like they are on their last legs. I also like to add black olives to this salad because it really gives it another dimension without adding any dairy. Enjoy this spinach side salad with a squeeze lemon juice or my balsamic vinaigrette next time you are making something that needs a veggie side like my stuffed crust pizza or my baked ravioli!

Makes about 4 side salad portions.

Ingredients:

5 ounces baby spinach

1 carrot, sliced

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1 medium cucumber, sliced

1 tomato diced

1/3 red onion diced

1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

Handful of parsley, chopped

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, store bought or homemade

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine all ingredients except for the vinaigrette. Give it a gentle toss to mix up the vegetables a bit.
2. When ready to serve, dress the spinach side salad with the vinaigrette, giving it a quick toss to combine and then it is ready to go. I can feel the healthfulness now!