Simple Spinach Salad with Basil

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A unique spinach salad made with baby spinach, fresh basil and prosciutto then topped with garlicky oil.
overhead view of mixed spinach salad in a galss bowl

Simple spinach salad with basil is a flavorful salad that is made with spinach, sweet basil, and salty prosciutto tossed in a warm dressing.

a close up picture of spinach salad on a plate with a glass salad bowl in the background with salad in it

The combination of spinach and basil adds a savory yet sweet flavor; the perfect blend of fresh ingredients. And, it is super easy to make with just 6 ingredients.

If you love simple salads like this one, try this recipe for arugula salad with pistachios.

Why you will love spinach basil salad

  • It is an easy recipe that takes minutes to make with simple and healthy ingredients
  • It can easily be made ahead of time.
An overhead view of the ingredients: Baby spinach in a bowl, prosciutto, garlic, parmesan cheese and oil on a cutting board

Here is what you will need

This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make simple spinach salad with basil recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.

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Ingredients

  • Baby spinach
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese

🥄Equipment

How to make spinach and basil salad

Prepare the ingredients: rinse and dry the raw spinach and basil. Trim off any long stems and place them into a large bowl.

Cut the prosciutto into small pieces and set it aside and shred the parmesan cheese.

prosciutto garlic and oil cooking in a skillet

STEP 1: Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet, over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the garlic and prosciutto; cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

STEP 2: Pour the hot oil mixture over the spinach and basil in the salad bowl.

a picture of spinach basil salad in a bowl with prosciutto on top
spinach salad in a bowl with cheese on top

STEP 3: Add freshly grated parmesan cheese, toss, and serve.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Spinach – Tender baby spinach works the best in this salad. If you can’t find baby spinach it can be replaced with regular spinach that’s been trimmed and roughly chopped.

Parmesan cheese – Look for a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. It tastes fresher and much better.

an overhead view of the mixed up salad in a glass bowl with wooden spoons

Make ahead instructions

Make this salad ahead of time; combine the spinach and basil in a bowl. Chop the garlic and prosciutto and place them in a separate container. Store the ingredients in the refrigerator in separate containers for up to two days.

To put the salad together, just before serving heat the oil,  prosciutto, and garlic. Pour it over the spinach and basil sprinkle with cheese and serve.

How to store leftover spinach salad

Unlike most dressed salads, that don’t taste good as leftovers, this one does! Store leftover spinach salad in an airtight container for one to two days. It will be wilted, but will still taste great.

What to serve with spinach basil salad

Serve this salad as a main dish with a pinch of black pepper and grilled chicken breast on top for a healthy light meal.

Spinach basil salad also tastes great as a side dish with pasta or pasta salad. We like it with turkey burgers, chicken giambotta, Pasta with Bolognese, Chicken Murphy, Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers, Lasagna Rolls or a Kale and Pasta Bake.

an overhead view of the spinach salad on a white place

Recipe variations

Add nuts or seeds – Add 1/4 cup pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts to the oil with the prosciutto.

Change up the meat – Replace the prosciutto with pancetta or bacon.

Tips

  • The warm oil will wilt the spinach when it’s poured over the salad. If you prefer your spinach fresher and less wilted, let the oil cool for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.

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overhead view of mixed spinach salad in a galss bowl

Spinach Salad with Basil

A unique spinach salad made with baby spinach, fresh basil and prosciutto then topped with garlicky oil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Course: Salads and Salad Dressing Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Spinach basil salad
Servings: 4
Calories: 135kcal
Author: Anne
Scale this Recipe 4

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 to 3 ounces uncured prosciutto chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare the ingredients: rinse and dry the spinach and basil leaves. Trim off any long stems and place them into a large salad bowl. Cut the prosciutto into small pieces and shred the parmesan cheese.
  • place the rinsed and dried spinach and basil into a salad bowl and mix them together
  • heat a small pan over medium-high heat and add the 1/8 cup olive oil
  • once the oil is hot, add the prosciutto and garlic.
  • cook the for about 3 to 4 minutes
  • remove the pan from heat and pour it over the salad
  • sprinkle the salad with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve

Video

Notes

this recipe makes 4 servings for a side dish and 2 servings as an entree salad.
store leftover salad for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 3303IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

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