Sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most magical dishes. That’s exactly how we feel about our Currant and Spinach Salad—a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors that feels like summer in every bite! Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a refreshing addition to your picnic spread, this salad is the perfect choice.
We first stumbled upon this combination when we had an overflow of fresh currants in our kitchen (you know that moment when you buy a big basket at the farmer’s market just because they looked too good to pass up?). Mixing them into a salad with baby spinach, crunchy nuts, and a zesty dressing turned out to be a total game-changer!
🍒 Why We Love This Salad
✔ Sweet & Tart – The juicy currants add a burst of natural sweetness with just the right amount of tartness.
✔ Nutrient-Packed – Spinach, nuts, and currants bring iron, vitamins, and antioxidants to the table.
✔ Super Refreshing – The light dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
✔ Quick & Easy – You can toss this together in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days!
This salad is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying, proving that healthy eating can be delicious and effortless.
🌿 The Magic of Fresh Spinach
Spinach is one of our go-to greens for salads. It’s mild in flavor, packed with nutrients, and pairs beautifully with sweet and tangy elements. Plus, it provides a lovely, tender texture that balances well with crunchy nuts and juicy currants.
If you’re not a spinach fan, you can swap it out for arugula (for a peppery kick) or mixed greens for a variety of textures.
🍒 Currants – The Underrated Superfruit
Fresh red currants add juiciness, tartness, and a gorgeous pop of color to this salad. They’re loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them not just delicious but also super healthy.
If you can’t find fresh currants, don’t worry! You can swap them for:
✔ Dried cranberries – A sweeter, slightly chewy alternative.
✔ Pomegranate seeds – For that juicy, tart burst.
✔ Raspberries or blackberries – A softer, more delicate twist.
🥜 Adding the Crunch – Nuts & Seeds
A little crunch takes this salad to the next level! We love using:
✔ Toasted almonds – Light, crispy, and subtly sweet.
✔ Walnuts – A rich, earthy crunch.
✔ Pumpkin seeds – A great nut-free option with a toasty flavor.
Pro tip: Lightly toast your nuts in a dry pan for a couple of minutes to enhance their flavor and make them extra crispy!
🍋 The Dressing – Light & Zesty
A great salad dressing ties everything together, and for this one, we wanted something simple and fresh. Our favorite combo?
✔ Olive oil – For richness.
✔ Lemon juice – For brightness and a hint of acidity.
✔ Maple syrup or honey – Just a touch of sweetness.
✔ Dijon mustard – For depth and a little zing.
Simply whisk everything together, drizzle over the salad, and toss lightly. It’s fresh, flavorful, and lets the ingredients shine!
🥗 How to Serve & Enjoy
This Currant and Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it as:
🍽 A light lunch – Perfect on its own with some crusty bread.
🥩 A side dish – Pair it with grilled veggies, tofu, or your favorite protein.
🥙 A base for a meal – Add chickpeas, quinoa, or feta for extra heartiness.
It’s an ideal summer dish, bringing together bright flavors and beautiful textures in every bite!
🌞 A Salad That Feels Like Summer
The combination of juicy currants, tender spinach, crunchy nuts, and zesty dressing makes this salad one of our absolute favorites. It’s proof that fresh, seasonal ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, packing it for lunch, or just making a quick meal at home, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again!
Have you ever tried adding currants to a salad? Let us know how you like it! 🥗✨
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh red currants
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts roughly chopped
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced (optional)
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, red currants, crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
- Toss with Vinaigrette: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this colorful and nutritious salad!
Notes
- Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, and K
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Currant and Spinach Salad
🍇 Can I Use Dried Currants Instead of Fresh?
Yes! If fresh currants aren’t available, you can use dried currants. Just soak them in warm water or a bit of orange juice for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the salad.
🥗 What Other Greens Can I Use Instead of Spinach?
You can swap spinach for arugula, kale, or mixed greens. Arugula will add a peppery bite, while kale provides a heartier texture.
🥜 Can I Add Nuts or Seeds for Extra Crunch?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds all pair beautifully with the flavors in this salad. Toasting them lightly enhances their crunch and flavor.
🍯 What Dressing Works Best with This Salad?
A light vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey or maple syrup complements the sweet and tart notes of the currants. A citrus-based dressing would also work well.
🌡️ Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but for the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving. This keeps the spinach fresh and prevents wilting.
🧀 Can I Add Cheese to This Salad?
Yes! Crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart currants and fresh greens. If you’re vegan, opt for a plant-based feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch.
We hope these tips help you make the perfect Currant and Spinach Salad! Enjoy! 🥗🍇✨
Such a refreshing and healthy salad