Spinach Salad with Everything Bagel Croutons

• Bread (stale or fresh): Torn into bite-sized pieces—this is the base for your croutons and a great way to use up leftover bread.
• Olive oil: Helps crisp up the croutons and adds richness.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Brings salty, garlicky, herby flavor in every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives you the best cheesy, umami-packed crouton finish.
• Fresh spinach: The base of the salad—look for bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Persian cucumber: Thinly sliced for a refreshing crunch that balances the richness.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy pops of sweetness and color.
• Caesar dressing: Store-bought or homemade works—this creamy layer ties it all together.

• Arugula or mixed greens: Swap for spinach if you want a peppery or varied flavor base.
• Croutons from a bag: Use store-bought in a pinch, but homemade really takes it up a notch.
• Feta or goat cheese: Sub for Parmesan if you want a tangier, creamier bite.
• Sliced avocado: Adds creaminess and makes the salad more filling.
• Grilled or smoked chicken breast or shrimp: Perfect protein boost if you’re turning this into a full meal.
• Red onion or pickled onions: For a little zing and extra crunch.
• Balsamic glaze or lemon juice: Drizzle instead of Caesar for a lighter dressing twist.

The Gist: Make crispy, cheesy everything bagel croutons that come together in minutes and add major crunch and flavor to the easy spinach salad. The croutons are so good, you’ll want to snack on them straight from the pan.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

The Gist: This salad is all about fresh textures and easy layers. It’s pre-portioned for four, so everyone gets the perfect bite.

Step 1: Divide fresh spinach evenly onto four serving plates.

Step 4: Once croutons are golden and cooled slightly, add a big spoonful to each salad.

Step 5: Serve right away while the croutons are still crisp and the veggies are fresh.

De-licious!

Also try this delicious watermelon appetizer salad.

• Don’t overdress it. A little dressing goes a long way—add slowly and toss to coat evenly.
• Avoid soggy croutons. Add them right before serving so they stay crunchy and golden.
• Chop with care. Try to keep your veggies bite-sized so every forkful has a little bit of everything.
• Skip limp greens. Use super fresh spinach or mixed greens for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t forget seasoning. A pinch of salt and pepper on your veggies can make the whole thing sing!

• Grilled chicken thighs
• Garlic bread or cheesy toast
• Creamy pasta sides
• Minestrone soup
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

I’d love to know how your version turned out! Drop a rating and leave a comment below to help the Sip Bite Go community. And if you snapped any photos, tag me on Instagram—I love sharing reader pics in my Stories!

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