Simply Seasoned Spinach Salad with Sesame & Peanut

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Aug 4th 2025

Looking for a healthy spinach salad? Light, fresh, and delicious!

Try this cold appetizer that’s healthy, simple, and full of flavor, this Simply Seasoned Spinach Salad with Sesame & Peanut is a must-try.

Inspired by Korean spinach side dishes and flavors from Chinese spinach salad with sesame dressing, this version adds a twist of creamy peanut butter and crispy roasted peanuts for extra texture.

The blanched spinach is tender yet vibrant, gently tossed in a gingery vinegar-based dressing with sesame oil and a touch of sweetness.

Whether you’re craving a Chinese spinach recipe with bold umami notes or a Japanese spinach salad with tahini-like richness, this easy no-fuss dish brings the best of all worlds.

This simply seasoned spinach salad with sesame oil and peanut is a quick, healthy, and 100% vegetarian side dish you’ll want on repeat.

It’s the perfect cold salad for light meals or when you need something refreshing but flavorful.

Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite mains, it delivers fresh crunch and umami in every bite.

Give it a try and let me know how yours turns out!

What You’ll Need

• Baby Spinach – Mild and tender, it’s the perfect base for soaking up the sesame-peanut dressing.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Boosts the sesame flavor and adds texture throughout.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – Brings a gentle heat to lift the dressing.
• Grated Ginger – Fresh, zesty, and sharp—balances the richness of the peanut butter.
• Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides tanginess to brighten and balance the richness.
• Soy Sauce or Teriyaki Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to tie everything together.
• Peanut Butter – The creamy twist that makes the dressing rich and satisfying.
• Honey (or Maple Syrup) – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar and soy.
• Sesame Oil – Deeply aromatic and essential for that signature Asian-style flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Salad with Sesame & Peanut Recipe🩷

• A healthy way to enjoy leafy greens
• Packed with flavor—nutty, savory, and a little sweet
• Takes just 10 minutes to make
• Naturally vegetarian, and easy to make vegan
• A fun twist on classic Korean spinach salad

How to make Spinach Salad with Sesame & Peanut

1. Blanch the Spinach: Boil water. Blanch spinach for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Squeeze out excess water.
2. Make the Dressing: Whisk ginger, chili flakes, sesame seeds, vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and sesame oil until smooth.
3. Toss & Serve: Mix spinach with the dressing. Garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds and serve cold.

What to Serve With

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Kimchi, cucumber salad or seaweed salad

🥩 Main Course: Grilled meat, tofu bulgogi, or teriyaki chicken

🍛 Side Dish: Steamed jasmine rice, miso soup or bacon wrapped asparugus

🍰 Dessert: Banana in Coconut Milk or Lychee Lemonade

Cold Spinach Salad Recipe with Sesame & Peanut

Fresh, tender spinach gets a flavor boost in this easy cold salad, tossed with a creamy blend of sesame oil, ginger, vinegar, and peanut butter.

It’s light, healthy, and full of nutty, umami-rich goodness—perfect as a refreshing side dish or a quick meal prep option.

Perfect as a simple spinach side dish to serve cold—especially when you want something light and refreshing but still flavorful.

And yes, you can keep this spinach side dish in the fridge for up to 2–3 days, making it great for meal prep too!

You can have my spinach salad with sesame & peanut as a side dish with this bacon wrapped pork loin or grilled pork jowl—a tasty balance of fresh, nutty, and savory flavors that go so well together!

Want to turn it into a light lunch?

Just add your favorite protein like boiled chicken or shrimp, and toss in some extra crunch with pecans or walnuts.

It’s a flexible salad that’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying!

This simple salad is light, healthy, and totally addictive!