This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
It does not get much easier than this Spinach Avocado Salad. Made with earthy spinach, creamy avocados, sharp onions, and a bright lemon dressing, this salad takes just minutes to make and is both refreshing and satisfying.
Love spinach salads? Don't miss my recipes for Strawberry Spinach Salad, Quinoa Spinach Salad, and Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing.
One of my mom's go-to side dishes was this Spinach Avocado Salad. She loved swapping it out for our usual side salad with ranch dressing, hoping to nudge her four picky eaters toward something a little more nutrient-dense, while still keeping dinner simple.
And this recipe is TRULY simple. Five ingredients, five minutes of prep, and you've got a salad that's fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly appealing to the pickiest of eaters.
The earthy spinach, the creamy avocado, the bright pop of fresh lemon juice, and that smooth drizzle of good olive oil all come together in a way that just works. It feels fancy, without actually being fancy, which is exactly the kind of magic busy moms (and dads) need.
Notes on Ingredients
Because this salad is made with only 5 ingredients, it is crucial to select good quality ingredients.
- Spinach: Use baby spinach leaves for best results. If you have mature spinach leaves, trim off the woody stems and give them a quick chop in order to have bite-sized pieces.
- Avocado: Use ripe Haas avocado. You want the avocado to be creamy and ripe, yet not overly ripe and mushy.
- Red Onions: Red onions will add a nice pungent burst of flavor to the salad, but feel free to omit or use pickled red onions in place of the fresh onions. If you would like a more mild flavor from the red onions, soak the sliced onion in water for up to 1 hour before assembling the salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Be sure to use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: There is NO substitute for fresh lemon juice. It adds acidity to the salad which is key to the flavor.
How To Make Spinach Avocado Salad
Spinach Salad with avocado comes together in minutes and is best assembled immediately before serving, as the avocado will brown after being sliced.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the spinach with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Top the dressed spinach with the sliced avocado and red onion if using.
- Finish the salad by drizzling it with a bit more olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This fast spinach salad is the perfect side dish for just about any entree. Some of my favorite recipes to pair this salad with are below.
Spinach Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 5 ounces baby spinach, washed and dried
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, + more to taste
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, + more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 medium ripe Hass avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, ~¼ of an onion
Instructions
- Mix the 5 ounces baby spinach with 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Add the 1 medium ripe Hass avocado (cubed) and ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion and drizzle with additional olive oil and a pinch of salt if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This a nice light salad for my Xmas eve dinner. It’s going to be all seafood. Since we don’t get nice lettuce here in Canada in the winter, can you suggest another salad or two that would accompany my seafood menu?
Thanks Kristen and Merry Christmas, looking forward to more of your wonderful dishes in 2026.
Hi Sami! Since lettuce is off the table, you may enjoy a broccoli apple salad or a Mediterranean chickpea salad. If you want another spinach option, we love my Christmas salad. Merry Christmas!