Spinach Clementine Salad with Cherries

This Spinach Clementine Salad is the perfect way to brighten up your meals, even in the colder months. With juicy clementines, crunchy candied almonds, and a light citrus dressing, this salad is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you associate salads with warm weather or not, this spinach salad with clementines is one you’ll want to enjoy all season long.

About this Recipe

While chatting with a friend about lunch, she surprised me with a question—”What’s with all the summer food?” Salad, hummus, and fresh produce seemed summery to her, but I hadn’t even thought about it that way.

Sure, it was warm for January, but I wasn’t thinking about seasons—I was just using what I had on hand.

I had an unopened box of spinach, some leftover garbanzo beans from Madeline’s snack (which, to her, are better for tossing on the floor than eating), and a craving for something fresh.

I had also made a mental note a few days ago to finally make some homemade hummus, and today was the day I got around to it—this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus was the perfect way to use up those garbanzo beans.

And let’s be honest—clementines? They’re peak winter produce! They deserve their moment in salads just as much as any summer berry. Whether you associate salads with warm weather or not, this bright, citrusy dish is one you’ll want to enjoy all season long.

At the end of the day, I had spinach to use and a lunch to make—so I threw together this salad, paired it with hummus on toasted bread, and added some red peppers for dipping.

And you know what? It was delicious. No excuses needed for enjoying ‘summer food’ in the middle of winter! Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a refreshing meal anytime.

Tools Needed to Prepare This Recipe

To make this salad come together effortlessly, here’s what you’ll need:

• Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate dressing and almond measurements.
• Saucepan & wooden spoon – To make the candied almonds.
• Glass measuring cup or mason jar – Perfect for mixing the dressing.
• Citrus juicer – To extract fresh clementine juice.
• Wire whisk – Helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salad spinner – Keeps spinach crisp and dry.

Ingredient Overview

To make the Vanilla Sugar Almonds:

• Granulated sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Sliced almonds

Dressing Ingredients:

• Clementine juice
• Raspberry vinegar
• Water
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Granulated sugar or honey

Salad Assembly:

• Dried cherries
• Baby spinach
• Fresh clementine

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Clementine Salad is light, refreshing, and easy to pair with a variety of dishes. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy it:

• Enjoy with soup – The citrus in this salad complements warm, comforting soups like Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Instant Pot Lentil Soup, or Butternut Squash Apple Soup.
• Add a protein – Serve alongside Rosemary Roasted Chicken, Baked Honey Mustard Chicken, or Grilled Balsamic Chicken for a satisfying meal. If you’re in the mood for steak, Sous Vide Steak with Herb Gremolata makes for a delicious pairing.
• Serve with hummus & bread – Pair with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and toasted bread with red peppers for dipping.

Spinach Salad with Clementines FAQs

Wondering about ingredient swaps or prep tips? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post, and I’ll respond with answers.

What other dressings would pair well with this salad?

A balsamic dressing or citrus vinaigrette would work well with this clementine spinach salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend assembling the salad ahead of time, since the spinach will wilt once it’s dressed. But you can absolutely prep some components in advance!

Make the dressing and candied almonds ahead of time, wash and dry the spinach, and slice the clementines.

Just be sure to store everything separately—keep the dressing and sliced clementines in the fridge so they stay fresh until you’re ready to toss everything together.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?

Yes! Toasted pecans or walnuts are great alternatives. If you want a flavorful twist, try these Cinnamon Vanilla Glazed Walnuts.

What’s the best way to store leftover clementines so they stay fresh?

Store peeled clementine slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you need them to last longer, keep them whole at room temperature or in the fridge.

Try This Recipe & Share Your Thoughts!

I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this Spinach Clementine Salad! If you loved it, please leave a comment and a star rating—it helps others find and enjoy the recipe too!

Did you try any fun variations? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. If you make this recipe, snap a photo and tag @goodlifeeats on Instagram—I’d love to see your creation!

More Citrus Salad Ideas to Try

Looking for more salad recipes to try? Here are a few favorites featuring citrus:

• Mixed Greens and Citrus Salad – A mix of greens, pomegranate, and goat cheese tossed in a zesty citrus dressing.
• Fresh Citrus Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing – A bright and refreshing salad that works for any meal.
• Fennel and Orange Salad – A simple yet stunning winter salad with fresh citrus and fennel.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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