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This refreshing Spinach Salad is loaded with juicy pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and sliced red onions. It’s tossed in the perfect tangy honey dijon vinaigrette that takes it to a whole other level.

Ok, ok. So we’ve already established quite a few times on this blog that I could quite literally eat salad everyday for the rest of my life. With ZERO complaints! Seriously, yo. No exaggeration. I just love salads and all of the fun and different combinations you can do with them. I mean, these days, anything can be a salad! Am I right?! Whether it’s cauliflower sneaking its way into a potato salad, a good ol’ pasta salad or a spicy Asian cucumber salad that’ll make you wonder why you’ve never put chili flakes on cucumbers before, there really are no limits on what you can do with a salad.

But even with all of the glam and the glory of a million and one different salad recipes existing on the Internet alone, I sometimes still find myself gravitating towards the classics. And spinach salad, in my books, will always be one of them.

salad with pears, red onion, walnuts and blue cheese, jar of dressing in the background

Now, sure, there are a million and one different ways you can top a spinach salad. Strawberries and goat cheese, anyone?! But of course, there are also classics. This combination of pears, nuts and blue cheese is one I see often on restaurant menus. And for good reason… it’s delicious! The juiciness of the pears against the sharpness of the blue cheese with the perfect crunch thanks to the toasted walnuts and sliced red onions… yeah, let’s just say that if my daily salad for the rest of my life was this exact one, I would still have ZERO complaints.

So whether you’re trying to up your salad game, you love salads as much as I do or are simply looking to add a little more greens into your diet, spinach salad is always a good and classic place to start. The combination of all of the delicious flavours in this simple pear and spinach salad might even have you forget that you’re even eating a salad in the first place.

WHAT YOU’RE GONNA NEED TO MAKE THIS SPINACH SALAD

ingredients for spinach salad - spinach, pears, blue cheese, walnuts, red onion, honey dijon vinaigrette — *Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.*

There may only be 4 toppings on this spinach salad but each ingredient contributes something unique, resulting in a salad that’s satisfying, nutritious and incredibly delicious. This spinach salad is not only visually stunning but also bursting with a variety of flavours and textures. Let’s discuss exactly what you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:

Spinach: Well, duh! We can’t have a spinach salad without some fresh baby spinach leaves, now can we? Baby spinach leaves are tender, mild and packed with nutrients like iron, vitamins A and C, and fiber. They provide a nutritious and vibrant base for the salad, with a delicate texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Pears: Add a delightful sweetness and juicy crunch to the salad. Choose ripe but firm pears, such as Bartlett or Anjou varieties, which hold their shape well when sliced. Pears are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Blue Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the pears and the acidity of the vinaigrette. It adds a strong, pungent taste that adds richness and depth to the salad. If you don’t have any blue cheese on hand, you can use a different kind instead. Goat cheese or feta make great alternatives.
Walnuts: Contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavour to the salad. Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. PRO TIP: Toasting the walnuts enhances their natural oils and brings out their rich taste, making them an even more delicious addition to the salad.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp and slightly spicy bite to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the pears and the creaminess of the cheese. Thinly sliced red onion distributes its flavour more evenly throughout the salad, providing bursts of zesty freshness in every bite.
Honey and Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette (homemade): Elevates the flavour, texture and appearance of the salad. It’s super easy to make with simple and few ingredients that pair perfectly with the other ingredients in this spinach salad. Find the full recipe with measurements for the vinaigrette HERE.

yellow dressing pouring into a bowl of spinach salad with pears and red onions

HOW TO MAKE THIS PEAR AND SPINACH SALAD (KEY TIPS)

hand with tongs holding up some salad with pears, onions, walnuts and blue cheese from a bowl

You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy spinach salad in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Choose fresh ingredients. Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavour and texture. Look for crisp baby spinach leaves, ripe but firm pears and high-quality cheese and nuts.
Slice the pears just before serving. To prevent the pears from turning brown, slice them just before assembling the salad. EXTRA TIP: If needed, you can toss the sliced pears with a bit of lemon juice to help preserve their colour.
Toast walnuts carefully. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them, as this can give them a bitter taste. Pay close attention as they can go from toasted to burnt in just a few seconds.
Toss salad gently. When tossing the salad with the vinaigrette, do so gently to avoid crushing the delicate spinach leaves, cheese and pears. Use salad tongs or clean hands to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt and pepper or a splash of additional vinaigrette to enhance the overall flavours.
Serve immediately. Serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing to ensure that it stays fresh and crisp. EXTRA TIP: If you’re not serving it right away, wait to dress the salad until just before serving. EXTRA EXTRA TIP: You can prepare most of the ingredients (with the exception of the pears) in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge until ready to use. This makes it easier to assemble the salad quickly when you’re ready to serve.

bowl of spinach salad with pears, walnuts, red onions and blue cheese, jar of dressing in the background

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS RAW SPINACH GOOD FOR SALADS?

Yes, raw spinach is an excellent choice for salads. It offers a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a delicate texture that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients. Raw spinach is also highly nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron and calcium. Including raw spinach in salads adds freshness, crispness, and vibrant colour, making salads both nutritious and visually appealing. Plus, raw spinach is versatile and can be combined with a wide range of ingredients, from fruits and nuts to cheeses and proteins, allowing for endless possibilities in creating delicious and healthy salads.

IS SPINACH OR LETTUCE HEALTHIER?

Both spinach and lettuce are nutritious leafy greens, but they have some differences in terms of their nutritional profiles. Spinach is often considered to be slightly more nutrient-dense than lettuce. As mentioned above, it’s exceptionally high in vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate, iron and calcium. These nutrients contribute to overall health, supporting immune function, bone health, and blood clotting, among other benefits. Spinach also contains antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health. Additionally, spinach has a higher fiber content compared to most types of lettuce, which can aid in digestion and promote feelings of fullness.

However, lettuce, particularly darker varieties like romaine or leaf lettuce, also offers valuable nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin K and folate, albeit in slightly lower amounts than spinach. Ultimately, both spinach and lettuce are nutritious choices that can be incorporated into a healthy diet, and consuming a variety of leafy greens ensures a diverse intake of essential nutrients.

CAN I EAT SPINACH EVERYDAY?

Eating spinach every day can be part of a healthy diet for many people, as it is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable. Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for promoting overall health and well-being. However, like any food, it’s essential to consume spinach in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is key to obtaining all the nutrients your body needs.

While spinach is a great source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate, iron and calcium, excessive consumption of spinach could potentially lead to issues due to its oxalate content. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in spinach that can interfere with calcium absorption and may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. Therefore, if you have a history of kidney stones or certain health conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional about your spinach intake. Otherwise, incorporating spinach into your meals regularly can provide numerous health benefits and contribute to a well-rounded diet.

bowl of spinach salad with sliced pears,red onions, walnuts and blue cheese, plate of walnuts and sliced red onion in the background

SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS, WALNUTS AND BLUE CHEESE

Yield: 2-4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This refreshing Spinach Salad is loaded with juicy pears, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and sliced red onions. It's tossed in the perfect tangy honey dijon vinaigrette that takes it to a whole other level.

Ingredients

5 oz. Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves
1 ripe Pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup Blue Cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup chopped Walnuts, toasted
1 Recipe Homemade Honey and Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the fresh baby spinach leaves, crumbled blue cheese, chopped toasted walnuts and thinly sliced red onion. Top with the thinly sliced pears.
Drizzle the honey and Dijon mustard vinaigrette over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 333Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 376mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 7gSugar: 21gProtein: 11g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.