Drought perturbs water potential in the plants, led to oxidants accumulation and impaired cellular functions. The mineral nutrients are critical for adjusting water potential and modulating antioxidant activity and photosynthesis. The present study investigated the impact of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and chitosan (CS) on six key mineral nutrients (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe) in spinach exposed to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought. The 3-leaved seedlings were irrigated with PEG (5%, 10%, and 15%) and treated by foliar spray of SNP (25 and 50 µM) and CS (15 and 30 mg L− 1). The physiological responses were studied by measuring the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and nutrients using UV/Vis spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Increasing drought intensity enhanced hydrogen peroxide accumulation and malondialdehyde. Drought stress led to higher Mg, while Fe remained constant due to its dual function in generating oxidants via Fenton reaction and stimulating antioxidants and photosynthesis. The SNP and CS application enhanced photosynthesis and alleviated the PEG-induced oxidative stress by enhanced production of phenolics and carotenoids. Both elicitors increased Ca, P and Fe contents and decreased Na, K and Mg contents. The intricate interplay between all six nutrients were critical to adjust water potential, minimize oxidative damage, and improve photosynthetic performance. Overall, the cross-talks between Fe, Mg and Ca were important for photosynthetic performance and antioxidant activity. The Na, K and P interplay was essential for osmotic adjustment.