08/12/2025
Let’s be honest, finding a way to make greens exciting can sometimes feel like a chore, but this Mustard Spinach Side Salad totally changed the game for me. I’m always on the hunt for an easy air fryer side dish that is both nutritious and packed with flavor, and this recipe delivers big time. The tangy kick from the mustard and apple cider vinegar transforms simple baby spinach into something special, and best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch fix or a healthy dinner companion, this is about to become your new go-to.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
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16.0 oz (454 g) baby spinach
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1.0 tbsp mustard
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0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
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1.0 tbsp chives, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Cooking spray
Directions
- Generously coat a pan that fits inside your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the 0 oz (454 g) of baby spinach, 1.0 tbsp mustard, 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar, and chopped chives. Toss well until the spinach is evenly coated.
Place the mixture into the prepared pan and insert it into the air fryer.
Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
Remove from the fryer, divide the salad evenly among plates, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
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Calories: 160
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Fat: 3 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Protein: 6 g
# # Pro Tips for the Perfect Spinach
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Don't Overcrowd the Basket: 16.0 oz (454 g) of spinach is a large volume when raw! If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, cook this in two batches. Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating efficiently, leading to soggy greens rather than perfectly wilted ones.
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Watch the "Flyaways": Air fryers work by circulating strong fans. Because spinach leaves are lightweight, they can sometimes fly up into the heating element. Since this recipe uses a pan inside the fryer, you are mostly safe, but it helps to press the spinach down slightly into the pan before cooking.
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Dry Your Greens: If you wash your spinach beforehand, make sure it is completely dry before adding the mustard and vinegar mixture. Excess water will "steam" the spinach too much and dilute that tangy mustard flavor. A quick spin in a salad spinner works wonders.
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Check at the Halfway Mark: Every air fryer model varies in power. While the recipe calls for 10 minutes, peek at your spinach around the 5 or 6-minute mark. Spinach wilts incredibly fast, and you might find it’s done to your liking a bit earlier!
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Upgrade Your Mustard: For the best flavor profile, swap generic yellow mustard for Dijon or a coarse stone-ground mustard. It adds a deeper, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the acidity of the apple cider vinegar.
# # Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this air fryer recipe? It is best to stick with fresh baby spinach. Frozen spinach retains a lot of moisture, which can make the dish watery and soggy when cooked in an air fryer. If you must use frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and squeezed dry of all excess liquid before mixing it with the mustard dressing.
2. Is this Mustard Spinach Side Salad keto-friendly? Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy nutrients. With only 160 calories and minimal net carbs per serving, it makes an excellent side dish for Keto, Paleo, and low-carb diets.
3. What can I use if I don't have an air fryer? No air fryer? No problem. You can easily make this on the stovetop. Simply grease a large skillet with cooking spray, add your seasoned spinach mixture, and sauté over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until the leaves are wilted and tender.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F or microwave it for 30 seconds. Keep in mind that reheating may make the spinach softer than when it was freshly cooked.
5. Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar? Yes. If you don't have apple cider vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice are great alternatives. They provide the necessary acidity to balance the sharp flavor of the mustard.
There you have it—a nutrient-packed side dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. This Mustard Spinach Side Salad has truly earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation, and I have a feeling it will in yours, too. Whether you are keeping it Keto or just need a quick veggie fix, give this air fryer method a try tonight. If you make it, don't forget to leave a star rating and a comment below to let me know how it turned out for you!
Let’s be honest, finding a way to make greens exciting can sometimes feel like a chore, but this Mustard Spinach Side Salad totally changed the game for me. I