Gusto TV Spinach Salad with Pickled Radish, Candied Peanuts, and Feta Recipe

Spinach Salad with Pickled Radish, Candied Peanuts, and Feta Recipe

This Spinach Salad with Pickled Radish, Candied Peanuts, and Feta recipe is a vibrant, texture-driven dish that balances bright acidity, subtle sweetness, and creamy richness in every bite. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this salad combines tender baby spinach, quick-pickled radishes, crunchy honey-roasted peanuts, and salty feta cheese for a fresh, modern side or light main that’s easy to prepare at home.

The Inspiration

This spinach salad is inspired by the idea that salads should be just as exciting and satisfying as any main course. By layering contrasting flavors and textures—crisp greens, tangy pickled vegetables, sweet crunch from candied peanuts, and creamy feta—this dish transforms simple ingredients into something dynamic and memorable.

On Everyday Excellent, host Vanessa Gianfrancesco often highlights techniques that add big impact with minimal effort, and quick pickling is a perfect example. Pickling the radishes softens their sharp bite while enhancing their natural peppery flavor, creating a bright contrast against the richness of feta and the sweetness of honey-roasted peanuts. The result is a salad that feels thoughtfully composed yet completely approachable, ideal for everyday meals or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

1 312 g (10.9 oz) container baby spinach
1 cup (240ml) honey roasted peanuts, gently crushed
2/3 cup (157.7ml) feta, crumbled
1 bunch radishes, sliced thin
1 cup (240ml) red wine vinegar
¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (29.6ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (14.8ml) kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Methods

Heat the red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small pot until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
Place the sliced radishes in a small container set in an ice bath and pour in the hot pickling liquid.
Transfer the container and ice bath to the fridge for 20 minutes.
When the pickled radishes have cooled, whisk together olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and ¼ cup of the pickling liquid in a small bowl. Add the spinach and half the peanuts, feta, and pickled radishes to a large bowl and pour over the dressing.
Toss, garnish with remaining peanuts, feta, and pickled radishes, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Salad with Pickled Radish, Candied Peanuts, and Feta is incredibly versatile and works beautifully across a range of meals. Serve it as a fresh side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or seared fish, where its acidity and crunch help balance richer proteins. It also pairs well with grain-based dishes, pasta, or warm flatbreads for a complete, satisfying meal.

For entertaining, this salad makes an excellent addition to a buffet or dinner party spread. Its vibrant colors and layered textures add visual appeal, while the bold flavors ensure it stands out among other dishes. It can also be served as a light lunch on its own, especially when paired with crusty bread or a warm soup.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Salad with Pickled Radish, Candied Peanuts, and Feta recipe is a perfect example of how thoughtful preparation and balanced flavors can elevate a simple salad into a standout dish. The combination of tender greens, tangy pickled radishes, sweet crunch from peanuts, and creamy feta delivers complexity without complication.

Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe reflects Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s approach to everyday cooking—using accessible ingredients and smart techniques to create food that feels intentional, fresh, and deeply satisfying. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a light meal, this salad proves that salads can be bold, flavorful, and exciting.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!