Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, bright, and just downright delicious salad that’s full of color and flavor, then you’re going to fall in love with this Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe. It’s like a little rainbow on your plate, inspired by the Irish flag, and packed with sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements that play so beautifully together. I discovered this salad when I was looking for something different to serve at a family brunch, and let me tell you, everyone went crazy for it. Keep reading, because I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic salad a regular in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe relies on fresh, seasonal produce and simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. The key is definitely choosing fresh, ripe oranges and crisp pears to make the flavors pop.

• Oranges: Go for juicy, ripe oranges—navel or blood oranges add beautiful color and sweetness.
• Pear: I like Bartlett or Anjou for their crisp texture and subtle sweetness.
• Feta Cheese: Use good-quality feta for a creamy, tangy punch—crumbled just right.
• Pistachios: Roasted and chopped to add the perfect crunch; unsalted works best so the salad isn’t too salty.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped finely for a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach leaves—if you don’t like the stems, you can remove them easily with your fingers.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for richness and smoothness in the dressing.
• Orange Juice: Gives the vinaigrette its citrus kick; use fresh if you can!
• Honey: Just a touch to balance the acidity with a little sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tang and depth to the dressing without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lime Juice: A splash to brighten everything up even more.
• Salt: To taste, but remember that feta and pistachios add saltiness, so be conservative at first.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe is just how easy it is to make your own version—you can tweak it based on what’s in season or dietary needs. Here are a few of the ways I’ve adapted it over time.

• Use Butter Lettuce Instead of Spinach: When I first made this, I swapped spinach for butter lettuce and loved the softer texture it added—give it a try if you want something more delicate.
• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, diced avocado is a fantastic addition that also boosts the salad’s nutrition.
• Nuts Swap: If pistachios aren’t your thing or you need a different texture, toasted walnuts or pecans work beautifully.
• Vegan Version: Replace feta with a vegan cheese or sprinkle with toasted nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How to Make Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing your spinach really well—sometimes it can have grit, so I like to give it a good soak and then spin it dry if you have a salad spinner. Peel and slice your oranges into rounds or supremes (segments without membranes), whichever you prefer—supremes give a neat look if you’re going for presentation. Thinly slice your pear to keep it light and crisp without overpowering the salad.

Step 2: Toast and Chop Pistachios

While you’re prepping the fruit and greens, toss your pistachios in a dry pan over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Stir often so they don’t burn. Once cooled, chop them roughly so you get nice crunchy bites spread throughout the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust—sometimes I like a little more honey if the oranges are tart. The goal is a bright, balanced vinaigrette that gently coats the salad without overwhelming it.

Step 4: Assemble Your Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe

On a large platter or in a big bowl, start layering your spinach, then beautifully arrange the pear slices and orange segments on top. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta and chopped pistachios, then scatter the fresh chopped basil all over. Finally, drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

I typically finish this salad with a little extra crumble of feta and a handful of whole pistachios on top for extra crunch and eye appeal. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a few microgreens or fresh mint leaves for a subtle twist—whatever you choose, it adds a lovely lift to the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This salad goes perfectly alongside simple grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. I also like serving it with crusty bread and a bowl of soup for a cozy lunch or a brunch spread with smoked salmon and deviled eggs.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes layer the ingredients individually on a large platter to really show off the vibrant “Irish flag” colors. You can also serve it in individual glass cups or mason jars as a fresh, eye-catching appetizer for a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare, but it happens!), I recommend storing the salad components separately if possible. Keep the spinach dry in an airtight container and the fruit covered to avoid browning. Toss everything together just before eating for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh fruit and greens, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor all the bright flavors and textures.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, you don’t really reheat it—but if you pair it with hot dishes, it makes a refreshing balance. Just serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Irish Spinach Salad with Oranges and Feta Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. It’s colorful, fresh, and just the right balance of flavors that make it a standout in any meal. When I first served it to friends, they kept asking for the recipe, and I bet once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation too. So grab your freshest greens and some sweet oranges, and give this salad a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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