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Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Feta Dressing

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant wilted spinach salad offers a sophisticated twist on a classic green starter. By combining crisp, fresh spinach with deeply caramelised red onions and a warm, tangy dressing, you create a dish that is both comforting and refreshing. The star of the show is the salty feta cheese, which softens in the residual heat of the frying pan to create a rich, creamy coating that perfectly balances the acidity of the sherry vinegar.

As a versatile vegetarian dish, this salad works equally well as a light lunch or a stylish side to accompany roasted Mediterranean vegetables or grilled flatbreads. It is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal greens, providing a nutritious hit of iron and antioxidants while feeling more substantial than a standard garden salad. Serve it immediately while the dressing is still warm for the best texture and flavour.

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Ingredients for Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Feta Dressing

  • 1 250g bag fresh spinach leaves

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1 medium red onion, halved, cut into 1/3-inch-thick wedges with some core attached

  • 1 200g package feta cheese, coarsely crumbled

  • 2 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar

How to make Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Feta Dressing

Place spinach in large bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add onion; sauté until brown and softened, about 7 minutes. Transfer to bowl with spinach; remove skillet from heat. Add remaining 3 tablespoons oil and cheese to skillet. Stir to melt cheese slightly, about 1 minute. Stir in vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over spinach; toss to coat and wilt slightly.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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