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    • Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes -->This collection of easy chicken dinner recipes features some of our favorite family dishes, perfect for making a healthy, delicious home cooked meal on a busy night! Getting a healthy, home cooked meal on the table every night can be challenging. Particularly with the demands of work, school, activities and social obligations, well, it can be the last thing we want to do at the end of the day. So I’ve got tons of easy chicken recipes at my disposal that I turn to when I need to whip something up for us on one of those busy weeknights. (Or even busy weekends – dinners can be tough then, too!) And this collection of easy chicken dinner recipes has some that we make over and over again. It includes everything from skillet chicken dinners to slow cooker chicken recipes, one-pot chicken pastas, soups and salads with chicken, chicken burgers and meatballs, sheet pan chicken dinners and easy chicken casseroles. Are you looking for fast as well as easy? Me too. I’ve got collections of chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster still, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Or if you want to browse them all, my quick chicken recipes…
      • Easy Chicken Recipes with Few IngredientsThese easy chicken recipes with few ingredients include some great healthy lunch and dinner options, all made with 5 or fewer ingredients! I am all about the EASY when it comes to cooking. I don’t like to fuss much over my food and I certainly don’t like to spend a ton of time in the kitchen at the end of a long day. Easy chicken dinner recipes and healthy lunch recipes with chicken are much more my style. (As are chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster yet, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Cause life.) Speaking of life, a million trips to the grocery store also aren’t fun during a busy week. (Especially with little ones in tow!) So I’ve got these go-to easy chicken recipes with few ingredients that help me keep dinnertime simple. And my sanity intact. In fact, one of the first cookbooks I bought on my own, at a used bookstore in Washington, D.C., where I lived for a few years after college, was titled 3-ingredient recipes. I was pretty new to cooking and thought, I think I can handle that. My cooking skills have improved, but I still go for the simple chicken recipes…
      • Quick Chicken RecipesThis collection of quick chicken recipes features some of our favorite family dinners and go-to lunches, all ready in 30 minutes or less! From chicken skillet dinners to one-pot pastas, salads to burgers, you’re sure to find some new favorites! If you know me, you know I am ALL about the quick and easy recipes. I love making all of our homemade meals and home cooked dinners, but like you, I’ve also got a hundred other things to juggle and so keeping things simple in the kitchen is a must. And these quick chicken recipes include all of my chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, even faster, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Sanity savers for sure. Busy weeknights have nothing on us! A few of our favorites from these quick chicken recipes: Healthy chicken Alfredo with broccoli Creamy chipotle chicken 20-minute chicken and tortellini soup with kale Skillet salsa chicken Easy creamy chicken This collection also has some healthy lunch recipes with chicken for mixing up your lunch routine. (It doesn’t include my slow cooker chicken recipes though, since those aren’t ready in 30 minutes. But they can be super quick to prep in the morning and then…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 15 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pot wonders to salads, chicken skillets to tacos, you’re sure to find some new fast favorites! You know those nights when you walk in the door and need dinner pronto?! Like, 5 minutes ago? That’s when I turn to these quick and easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. I can make a healthy, home cooked meal for my family and be sitting down to enjoy it in no time. Cause plenty of evenings, 15 minutes is often all the time I have – or want to spend – on dinner. I’m not alone on that, right?! You can browse below but I thought I’d highlight a couple that I make over and over again. A few of our favorite easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes: 15-minute honey garlic chicken (gets rave reviews!) Southwest chicken skillet dinner (pile on your favorite toppings!) Quick chicken curry (perfect with rice and peas) One-pot low-carb leftover chicken recipe with spinach (my dad’s go-to recipe) This collection also includes some healthy lunch options that are quick to put together — like the Asian chicken mason jar…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 30 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pan meals to burgers, one-pot pastas to healthy salads, you’re sure to find some new favorites! Quick, easy and mostly healthy is pretty much the name of the game for dinner at my house. I love a home cooked meal and we eat a ton of chicken, which means I’ve come up with and found a lot of easy chicken recipes over the years. And this collection highlights some of my easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes, when you want something delicious but need it on the table pretty quickly. Is that every single night for you too? We’ve got everything from skillet chicken dishes to chicken pasta and from soups and salads with chicken to chicken meatballs and burgers. All the chicken love! Many of these recipes use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (though you could substitute chicken thighs if you prefer) while others use ground chicken and some rely on pre-cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken you pick up at the store or some leftover grilled or baked chicken. Lots of these 30 minute chicken dinners are complete meals but…
      • Healthy One-Pot Chicken DinnersHealthy one-pot chicken dinners are such a help on busy days! This collection includes everything from one-pot pastas and skillets to easy slow cooker and sheet pan recipes to help you get an easy, healthy and delicious dinner on the table any night! I am ALL about quick and easy meals. I cook our dinner 99% of the time, including on days when work has blown up in my face, or the kids have decided to coordinate their melt-downs, or we’re all just wiped out and hungry. And even though I love to cook, I definitely have those days when I’m just not feeling it. Enter some quick and easy one-pot chicken dinners for the win! These are great to have in your back pocket for busy days, busy weeks or in case of a “kids-are-making-me-crazy” kinda moment. (My husband also loves these meals because he’s on clean-up duty and it’s nice not to have a huge pile of dishes staring you down after dinner!) Many of these dishes are complete meals on their own. Others are low-carb as written, but can easily be paired with some rice, pasta, bread or potatoes to bulk them up a bit. Here are…
      • Slow Cooker Chicken RecipesThese hands-off slow cooker chicken recipes will put your slow cooker to work and have you coming home to a delicious, healthy dinner that’s ready to go! Some days, you just need someone else to make you dinner. I’m not talking takeout or delivery or a restaurant dinner. I’m talking about your crock pot or slow cooker. I find it supremely satisfying to go about my day, knowing that a delicious home cooked dinner is cooking up at home for me. I can play with the kids, take them to practices, run errands or just relax with a book and breathe easy. These slow cooker chicken recipes mean there is just one less thing to do in the evening and that’s a great thing on a busy day! This collection includes slow cooker recipes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well as chicken thighs (though you can usually sub either one). And many of these take just minutes to prep in the morning! 👍 Here’s a few of our favorite slow cooker chicken recipes: Slow cooker balsamic chicken Slow cooker bistro chicken thighs Slow cooker apricot chicken Crock pot Mediterranean chicken Slow cooker teriyaki chicken And be sure to check…
    • Easy Vegetarian RecipesEasy vegetarian recipes include main-dish meals that are hearty and satisfying and can stand alone for lunch or dinner (with a few savory breakfast options as well). Everything from one-pot veggie pastas to stuffed squash to chili to veggie burgers and hearty grain bowls and salads, there are meatless options here for everyone! I am a veggie lover through and through. 💚💚💚 I adore getting in as many vegetables as I can, throughout the day really, and I often make easy vegetarian dinners a couple of times a week. (Hello meatless Monday, I’m looking at you!) So over the years, I’ve created tons of great veggie-based meals that can stand on their own for lunch or dinner and be hearty and satisfying. And that are also mostly quick and easy, because I work as a health and nutrition editor and we’ve got a busy family so cooking on a weeknight needs to be low-key. My one-pot vegetarian spaghetti has been a hugely popular recipe here on the blog and you guys can’t seem to get enough of my grain bowls and salads. I know the feeling. 😉 I wanted to round up some of these in an easy-to-browse category that features…
    • Healthy Oatmeal RecipesA collection of healthy oatmeal recipes, including sweet and savory breakfast and brunch options as well as delicious, wholesome snacks and desserts. We are pretty much oatmeal fanatics in my house. ALL of us adore oatmeal and it’s a rare day that we’re not making or eating something with oats or oatmeal in it at some point during the day. And I mean all four of us – my husband, myself and our kids (currently ages 6 and 4). Our go-to 3-minute microwave oatmeal is a morning staple for my husband and a weekly staple for the kids and me. My kids eat overnight oatmeal jars at least twice a week for breakfast and we often have baked oatmeal another morning of the week. For school lunches or afternoon snack, we can be found munching on some no-bake cookie or energy balls with oats, oatmeal cookies of some variety or if they’ve asked nicely, I’ll make a batch of granola and we all just shovel handful after handful until it’s gone. Want to know some of our very favorites of the group below? OK, I’ll share! Our family’s favorite healthy oatmeal recipes: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Overnight oatmeal jars, 3…
    • Healthy Muffin RecipesA collection of easy, kid-friendly healthy muffin recipes for all times of day: breakfast, school lunch, snacking, dinner and dessert! We are BIG muffin lovers in this house, at all times of day! My kiddos love them for breakfast, brunch, school lunch, afternoon snack and sometimes even savory muffins at dinner. Muffins all the time! I’ve made thousands of healthy muffin recipes over the years and I love sharing them with you! There are plenty to browse below and plenty more I plan to add! (You can sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a recipe. You’ll also get my FREE e-book of easy weeknight dinners.) Wondering where to start? Spinach banana mini muffins and whole wheat pumpkin muffins are some of our constant favorites. Healthy peanut butter and jelly muffins are fun for lunch and easy cheesy cornbread muffins are great for a quick + easy dinner side, especially with soup or chili! And if you’re in the mood for a little chocolate (I know I always am!) you can’t go wrong with my healthy chocolate chip muffins. Hope you find some new favorite healthy muffin recipes! XO, Kathryn
    • Healthy DessertsThis collection of healthy desserts features everything from lightened up cookie bars and brownies to cakes, muffins and breads to no-bake energy bites. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with healthy choices! Healthy desserts are kind-of my jam. I like a dessert that gives back. One that has redeeming qualities. A sweet treat that’s going to treat me right. But of course, it also needs to be delicious so I actually satisfy those sweet cravings! The healthier dessert recipes you’ll find below are some of our go-to treats that are perfect for a healthier late-night option and many of which are great for offering kids a wholesome, but fun, treat for an after-school snack or tucked in their lunch box. Most of these recipes are whole grain and naturally sweetened, others are recipe makeovers that are lower in sugar and/or butter. A majority of them contain chocolate. 🍫❤️ And ALL are easy to make. (You can also check out my healthy muffin recipes and my entire category of sweets & desserts if you want more.) Here’s a few of our favorite healthy desserts: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Healthier no bake cookie bars No…
    • Healthy Fall BakingThese healthy fall baking favorites include everything from muffins and baked oatmeal to snacks to cookies and cakes. These fall recipes are whole grain and most are naturally sweetened for a wholesome, delicious treat at breakfast, snack, school lunch or dessert! Does anyone else get the baking bug when the cooler weather starts to roll in during autumn? I know I do! I get excited for all the apple baking projects, pumpkin baking projects and even getting ready for all the holiday baking to come! 🍎🎃 The spices, the warmth, the aroma of having something in the oven is just part of the season for me. Plus the love that comes from a homemade baked good – it just can’t be beat! ❤️ And y’all know my style is definitely a healthier version of baking. I use whole grains and most of my recipes are naturally sweetened. I try to lighten things up where possible and keep to mostly wholesome treats, maybe with a little indulgence here and there! 😉 Wondering where to start? Here are some of our healthy fall baking favorites: Chocolate chip apple cake Pumpkin baked oatmeal with chocolate chips Whole wheat pumpkin applesauce bread Easy healthy…
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Super simple spinach salad (+ video)

February 9, 2015 By Kathryn Doherty

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy

A simple spinach salad with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette makes for a delicious and healthy side dish! This recipe takes just minutes to prepare and is perfect with dinner on a busy night.Simple spinach salad with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette is perfect for a quick, delicious and healthy side dish for dinner on a busy night! #spinachsalad #babyspinach | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

You guys know I love my salads, right?

I’m ALL about the veggies and I’m usually finding new ways to load up with more, more, more. 💚

(I adore my farro, kale and strawberry salad with goat cheese, cannot get enough of my healthy broccoli apple salad and my mixed greens salad with fruit is a summertime and brunch favorite.)

But sometimes, you just need a salad to serve with dinner. Like, right now. With whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

It needs to be easy, quick and delicious.

Baby spinach and homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Voila!

Baby spinach in a white bowl with homemade balsamic vinaigrette in a jar nearby

So, I love baby spinach salad recipes all kinds of ways, but in this case, it’s the dressing that does it, really.

The balsamic vinaigrette is so tasty. Homemade really is miles above and beyond anything you can get in the store, so it makes this salad a joy to eat.

And it couldn’t be easier.

You just add garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and olive oil to a small jar or container.

I use a ratio closer to 1:1 for my oil:vinegar ratio and that works for me. Feel free to add more oil if you want to get closer to the traditional 3:1 oil:vinegar ratio.

I just eyeball it really, in my container from the side as I pour in the olive oil. 

Then shake it, shake it, shake it and you are set!

Simple spinach salad with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette is perfect for a quick, delicious and healthy side dish for dinner on a busy night! #spinachsalad #babyspinach | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

Seriously, homemade salad dressings should not be intimidating. They can be oh so fast and easy and you’ll be blown away by how much more flavorful they are. 👌

(You should also check out my homemade Italian dressing, which is another great staple. And homemade soy ginger dressing is perfect for Asian-style dishes and so addictive!)

Now, I’ve got some notes and substitutions coming up for this recipe. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Simple spinach salad in a white bowl with balsamic vinaigrette being poured on top

Notes on making simple spinach salad:

  • It helps to have really good balsamic vinegar and olive oil here since those are your big flavors. You don’t have to go buy the most expensive thing you can find in the store. In fact, I get the Costco brand for both my balsamic vinegar and olive oil and have found them to be very good quality and flavor. Find something you love.
  • You also want fresh, bright baby spinach to use in this salad for the best flavor.
  • Or you can swap out your favorite green for this salad if you want to change things up. A spring mix, arugula or butter lettuce would be great here too. Or use a combination!
  • Make sure to wait to add the dressing until right before you are ready to serve. Greens, once tossed with a vinaigrette, have a short shelf life before they begin to wilt.

Want to spruce up this salad a bit with some fun toppings?

You know I love some toppings so of course I’ve got you covered!

Toppings for easy spinach salad:

– Feta cheese, olives and cherry tomatoes

– Shaved Parmesan cheese, pecans and diced strawberries

– Crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts and diced apple

– Peaches, pecans and goat cheese

– Strawberries, pistachios and mozzarella cheese

– Blueberries, pecans and feta cheese

– Dried cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese

There’s really tons of ways to customize this. Mix it up with your favorites!

Simple spinach salad with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette is perfect for a quick, delicious and healthy side dish for dinner on a busy night! #spinachsalad #babyspinach | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

May you have a partner and a family that thinks this easy salad rocks as much as my family does.

And if not, change it up with some of those topping ideas above and you’re still covered with a great go-to any night of the week. 👍

Enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

P.S. Check out all of my other healthy salad recipes for more inspiration!

Yield: 4 servings

Super simple spinach salad

Simple spinach salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette

A simple but divine spinach salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 5-6 cups fresh baby spinach

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 clove minced garlic
  • 1 overflowing tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Put your spinach into a big bowl. If you're using any add-ins, go ahead and add them now. (See notes for ideas.)
  2. Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake them up until it's well mixed.
  3. Pour the dressing over the spinach right before you’re ready to serve.
  4. Enjoy!

Notes

Want to add some fun mix-ins to this salad? Here's a few ideas:– Feta cheese, olives and cherry tomatoes

– Shaved Parmesan cheese, pecans and diced strawberries

– Crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts and diced apple

– Peaches, pecans and goat cheese

– Strawberries, pistachios and mozzarella cheese

– Blueberries, pecans and feta cheese

– Dried cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 103Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 213mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
© Kathryn
Cuisine: American / Category: Salads

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Filed Under: Healthy Summer Salads, Salads, Side dishes, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Katherine says

    August 11, 2018 at 1:07 AM

    Hi Kathryn,

    I love your Raw Spinach Salad recipe here and have featured it in our website GreenThickies in the post 10 Raw Vegan Spinach Salad Recipes.

    I have not shared the exact recipe but only a small quote and one image from this page. And I have given all credits to you and linked back to this page.
    Is this okay with you?

    Thanks a lot 🙂
    Katherine

    Reply
    • Kathryn says

      August 13, 2018 at 10:10 AM

      Hi, yes, that’s fine – and thanks for featuring me!

      Reply
  2. Hellen says

    June 16, 2020 at 5:19 PM

    My favorite salad. Simple and fast. I wash spinach, arugula, and lettuce in bulk, once a week with a vinegar solution. I also use sesame seeds and walnuts.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty says

      June 17, 2020 at 7:52 AM

      Yay, so glad you love it Hellen! And yum to the mix of lettuces and the walnuts and sesame seeds on top!

      Reply

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a health and nutrition editor, cookbook author, wife, mother of two kids, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes and resources to help you get delicious family food on your table! Learn more about me

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