This Spinach and Arugula Salad is a fresh and vibrant mix of greens, Honeycrisp apples, juicy blackberries, and creamy goat cheese. Topped with crunchy toasted almonds and drizzled with a light lemony dressing, it’s the perfect quick lunch or an easy side dish.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Spinach and Arugula Salad
• 🛒 Ingredients for Spinach and Arugula Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Spinach and Arugula Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making Spinach and Arugula Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Arugula Spinach Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use Frozen Blackberries?
• Is Arugula Bitter?
• Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
• What are the Primary Nutrients in Arugula and Spinach?
• 🍽️ More Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Spinach and Arugula Salad

• Tender baby arugula and spinach
• Crisp sliced apple and juicy blackberries
• Crunchy toasted almonds and creamy goat cheese
• Tossed in a homemade vinaigrette
• Quick and easy to make

Who says salads have to be boring? This Spinach and Arugula Salad is anything but, with a vibrant mix of fresh greens, seasonal fruit, and a beautiful blend of savory and sweet flavors. It’s light and incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal side dish or a light lunch.

The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with crunchy almonds, crisp greens, and juicy blackberries. A homemade vinaigrette adds a zesty brightness that ties everything together. It’s this contrast of flavors and textures that makes the salad really stand out. This is one delicious salad you’ll actually look forward to eating!

For even more delicious salad options, be sure to check out my refreshing Pear and Pomegranate Spinach Salad and Nicoise Salad recipes.

🛒 Ingredients for Spinach and Arugula Salad

• Baby arugula and spinach mix
• Apple
• Blackberries
• Goat cheese
• Almonds
• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Salad dressing shaker or mixing bowl and whisk
• Large salad bowl or serving platter

🔪 How to Make Spinach and Arugula Salad

To Make the Dressing

Add all the dressing ingredients into a salad dressing shaker.

Shake until well combined and emulsified.  If you don’t have a salad shaker, you can use a small mixing bowl and a whisk instead.  Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad.

To Make the Salad

Add the arugula and spinach to a large serving platter or salad bowl.

Wash and slice your apple in thin slices. 

Place the apple slices in small bunches of 3 each, spread throughout the salad, along with the blackberries.

Add the toasted sliced almonds, goat cheese, (optional) chopped fresh mint and drizzle the dressing over the top, then serve.

💡 Tips for Making Spinach and Arugula Salad

• Use fresh greens: Start with fresh spinach and arugula for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant, crisp leaves—no wilting or browning allowed! Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

• Slice the apple just before serving: To keep those Honeycrisp apple slices looking gorgeous, slice them right before you toss them in. A quick toss with a bit of lemon juice works wonders for keeping them fresh and pretty.

• Toast the almonds: I know it’s an extra step, but trust me, toasting those sliced almonds is worth it! Just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat really brings out their flavor and adds a delicious crunch.

• Toss gently: When you're mixing everything together, toss gently to avoid mashing the berries or bruising those delicate greens. We want everything to look as good as it tastes!

• Add fresh mint sparingly: I love how the mint adds a pop of fresh flavor to this salad. But keep in mind that little goes a long way. You only need a little to add flavor without it being overpowering.

☑️ Storage Instructions

To store your Spinach and Arugula Salad and keep it fresh, it's best to store the dressing separately. This helps the greens stay crisp and tasty. Use an airtight container for the salad.

If you’re packing it for later, keep the apple slices, blackberries, and toasted almonds on top or in a separate container to prevent them from getting mashed. Pop the container in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about a day or two. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it will taste!

🍴 What to Serve with Arugula Spinach Salad

Protein: You can serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish. The smoky flavors from the grill complement the fresh and vibrant flavors of this salad. This Grilled Citrus Chicken, this easy Grilled Steak, and these Grilled Shrimp Skewers are all wonderful options.

Soup: A soup and salad combo is always a hit. Pair this salad with a bowl of soup, such as this Carrot and Lentil Soup or this Cream of Asparagus Soup.

Pasta: For a hearty meal, you can serve fennel salad as a side dish with pasta dishes like this Creamy Tuscan Tortellini or Penne Alla Vodka. 

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Greens: Swap arugula and spinach for kale, and spring mix.

• Cheese: You can replace goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or mozzarella for a different flavor.

• Nuts: Use walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds instead of sliced almonds.

• Fruit: Substitute Honeycrisp apples with pears, strawberries, or sliced peaches for a sweet twist.

• Dressing: Try balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing in place of the lemon dressing.

• Protein: Add grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Vegetables: Include sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

• Extras: Feel free to add avocado slices, roasted beets, or dried cranberries for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Can I Use Frozen Blackberries?

You can but I really recommend using fresh if you can find some that are sweet and juicy. Frozen ones tend to be a little mushy.

Is Arugula Bitter?

Arugula has a slightly bitter flavor but it blends in well with other ingredients. If you think it's too bitter, you can increase the ratio of spinach or add a bit more sweet fruit, like apples or honey, to balance the flavors.

Is This Salad Gluten-Free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What are the Primary Nutrients in Arugula and Spinach?

Both arugula and spinach are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber.

🍽️ More Salad Recipes

• Chickpea Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Mediterranean Chopped Salad
• Nicoise Salad
• Easy Bean Salad
• Avocado Salad