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Fresh, tangy, and protein-packed. This spinach mozzarella salad is gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein!
I am in my salad era, so I thought I’d play with some new ingredients. How about adding some salami to the refreshing greens?
That’s what I did.
It’s loaded with fresh greens, juicy grapes, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing that brings everything together.
But besides its flavors, it only takes 10-15 minutes to make. Which is really where it seals the deal.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItIt doesn’t require a lot of effort, but it’s special enough that you can serve it at a dinner party. Your health-conscious friends will certainly appreciate the gesture.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Baby spinach, roughly chopped (3 cups) – You can also use arugula or kale.
Grape tomatoes, halved (1 1/2 cups) – If you don’t have grape tomatoes, you can replace them with cherry tomatoes.
Red onion, finely chopped (1/2 small) – If you prefer a milder taste, try using some shallots.
Mozzarella, diced (1 1/2 cups) – Choose fresh mozzarella or mozzarella pearls if you want to be more convenient. You can also try other types of cheese, such as Pepper Jack or Colby Jack. And, if you want to have a vegan salad, replace it with a plant-based mozzarella.
Salami, sliced into quarters (1/2 cup) – Swap with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
DRESSING
Olive oil (1/4 cup) – You can also use avocado oil or flaxseed oil.
Lemon, juiced (1/2) – White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good alternatives.
Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp) – If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use dried oregano.
A pinch of salt
How to Make Spinach Mozzarella Salad
Step 1. Grab a jar and add all the ingredients from the dressing.
Step 2. Give it a good mix to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3. In another bowl, add all the ingredients from the salad. Add the spinach, mozzarella, salami, and red onions.
Step 4. Toss all the ingredients to combine them.
Step 5. Drizzle with the dressing and give it another toss.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItHow I Would Modify This Recipe
- Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, sliced chicken breast, or boiled eggs to boost your protein intake.
- Add Some Crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds like toasted almonds or sunflower seeds to add some texture.
- Seasonal Swaps: Add seasonal vegetables like cucumbers or roasted squash.
What I Would Serve with This Spinach Mozzarella Salad
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Garlic bread
- Pasta dishes (like spaghetti carbonara or baked ziti)
- A creamy soup (such as tomato basil or potato leek)
- Charcuterie boards
- Thin-crust pizza
- Roasted vegetables
My Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly washed spinach, crisp tomatoes, and high-quality mozzarella.
- Serve Fresh: While the salad is a great option for meal prepping, it’s best to have it right away or a couple of days after making it.
- Chill the Salad Bowl: A chilled bowl helps keep the salad crips and fresh for longer, especially during hot summer days.
- Massage the Spinach: Give the spinach a massage using a bit of lemon or olive oil, since it can help reduce its bitterness.
My Storage Tips
If you are planning on having the salad later in the week, make sure you store the dressing and salad in different containers. This will prevent the spinach from getting soggy.
To keep it fresh, place the salad in an airtight container and the dressing in a glass jar. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Other Salads
Spinach Mozzarella Salad
Cals: 373 Protein: 17 Carbs: 5.4 Fat: 32
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1/2 small red onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella diced
- 1/2 cup salami sliced into quarters
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a jar, combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients and then cover with the dressing. Toss to combine and serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
