Healthy Arugula Spinach Salad With Homemade Lemon Vinaigrette

Hey friends! Since my cancer diagnosis and surgery, I’ve been focused on rebuilding my health by seeking out recipes packed with nutrient-dense benefits. Brad and I have become absolutely addicted to this easy homemade lemon vinaigrette recipe, which is the perfect pairing for our favorite healthy arugula and spinach salad. Whether you serve it as a quick side salad or add protein to make it a full meal, this low-calorie option is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and vibrant flavor.

Today, I’m sharing how to whip up this simple dressing, along with some of the surprising health benefits of arugula and spinach salads. You might be amazed by just how much goodness is packed into these leafy greens!

Health Benefits of Arugula and Spinach

First, let’s explore why eating arugula and spinach has so many health benefits.

• Low Calorie – two cups of these two combined is only 12 calories. Arugula alone is only 10 calories for two cups.
• High Fiber
• High in Calcium
  • Vitamin A, C, & K
  • Iron
  • Potassium
  • Folate
• Promote Bone Health – My mother had osteoporosis, and bone health is one of my concerns.
• Boost Immunity
• Promotes Heart Health
• Aids in digestion
• Combats Inflammation
• Spinach is good for eye health

CAUTION: If you are on a blood thinner, you should avoid eating arugula and spinach without checking with your physician.

Why This Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Is a Nutrient Powerhouse

In addition to the nutrient-packed greens, the salad dressing is also beneficial to good health. The key to a healthy lemon vinaigrette dressing is making it homemade without preservatives, using quality extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh-squeezed lemons.

This gut-friendly recipe has extra-virgin olive oil, which is heart-healthy and helps you absorb Vitamins A, D, E, & K, found in the leafy greens. The fresh lemon juice contains Vitamin C and is rich in antioxidants.

The best part is that 2 tablespoons only contain 88 calories.

Homemade Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and stir well.

Note: To reduce tartness, add a small additional amount of olive oil. No more than a couple of tablespoons.

Final Conclusion

We love this refreshing and tasty salad. The lemon vinaigrette dressing is quick and easy to make and will last up to 10 days. We try to eat this type of salad at least 3 times a week. Two cups of greens with 2 tablespoons of dressing and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese is only 120 calories. If you use only 1 tablespoon of the dressing, which is what I prefer, it’s only 76 calories. It’s a great, low-calorie, and tasty way to get action-packed nutrients.