Avocado & Spinach Egg Salad
This Avocado & Spinach Egg Salad is a creamy, protein-packed salad that’s loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh spinach, ripe avocado, and hard-boiled eggs are tossed in a simple lemon-Dijon dressing for a quick, nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or meal prep.
Note: While foods rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins can support healthy skin and hair as part of a balanced diet,
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for eggs)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: About 6 cups
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered or chopped
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- ¼ cup cucumber, diced (optional)
Lemon-Garlic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Eggs
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10–12 minutes.
Transfer immediately to an ice bath, peel, and chop.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry the spinach.
- Dice the avocados.
- Slice the onion.
- Chop the herbs.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
Until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
- Spinach
- Avocados
- Eggs
- Red onion
- Cucumber (if using)
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
Top with chopped herbs and any optional garnishes.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape.
- Add the avocado just before serving to minimize browning.
- Chill the eggs before chopping for cleaner slices.
- Toss gently to keep the avocado intact.
- If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and add the avocado just before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes for freshness.
- Sprinkle with feta or goat cheese.
- Add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Include sliced radishes or bell peppers for more crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this salad with:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Baked salmon
- Whole-grain toast
- Soup
- Fresh fruit
- Roasted vegetables
Storage
Refrigerator
- Salad (without dressing): Up to 2 days
- Dressing: Up to 5 days
- Once dressed, enjoy within 24 hours for the best texture.
Freezer
Not recommended.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
- Sodium: 320 mg
Allergen Information
Contains:
- Eggs
- Mustard (Dijon mustard)
May Contain:
- Milk (if topped with feta cheese)
- Tree nuts (if adding nuts as an optional topping)
Does Not Contain:
- Peanuts
- Wheat/Gluten
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame (unless using everything bagel seasoning)
Nut-Free Option
Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of tree nuts, or omit the seeds entirely.
Dairy-Free Option
Simply leave out the feta cheese.
Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check the Dijon mustard label if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the eggs, spinach, onion, and dressing up to one day ahead. Add the avocado and toss with the dressing just before serving.
Q: How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
A: Toss it with fresh lemon juice and store the salad in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to reduce air exposure.
Q: Can I use kale instead of spinach?
A: Absolutely. Massage chopped kale with a little olive oil and lemon juice for a few minutes to soften it before adding the other ingredients.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making it suitable for many keto eating plans.
Q: Can I add more protein?
A: Yes. Grilled chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, or chickpeas are all excellent additions.
Q: What other dressings work well?
A: A simple balsamic vinaigrette, creamy avocado dressing, or a Greek yogurt herb dressing all pair beautifully with this salad.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Fresh spinach is strongly recommended for the best texture. Frozen spinach becomes too soft and watery once thawed.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store the dressing and avocado separately until you’re ready to eat, then combine everything for the freshest flavor and texture.
