Name: Delicious Berry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1/2 cup raspberries; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (for dressing); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Bright, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, this Berry Spinach Salad is a stunning, nutrient-rich dish that works as a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner side, or a healthy snack. With an exciting combination of sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries tossed over fresh spinach, this salad is more than just a pretty plate—it’s a feast for the senses. Topped with creamy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and drizzled with a tangy homemade berry vinaigrette, this recipe is an easy way to deliver incredible taste and vibrant color to your table.

This Berry Spinach Salad is ideal for anyone looking for healthy breakfast ideas, summer dinner options, or a quick salad bursting with flavor. The natural sweetness of the berries blends harmoniously with the peppery notes of fresh spinach, making every bite a delightful experience. Not to mention, it’s fully customizable, allowing you to cater to your taste preferences or dietary needs easily. Whether you’re serving it on its own or as a complement to grilled meats, this salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Berry Spinach Salad

Vibrant Flavors: The sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries create a delicious contrast with the creamy feta and crunchy pecans.
Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the berries and spinach, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or a side, and customize it with your favorite proteins or add-ins.
Fresh Homemade Dressing: A delicious homemade vinaigrette elevates this salad with a tangy kick.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making your Berry Spinach Salad, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space to ensure a smooth cooking process. Start by gathering all the ingredients listed in this recipe, including fresh spinach, assorted berries, feta cheese, and pecans. Depending on your equipment, you’ll need a blender or food processor for the dressing, a skillet to toast the pecans, and a large salad bowl for serving. Having everything ready will also help keep your workspace organized and clean.

Make sure to wash your spinach and berries thoroughly. A salad spinner can be a handy tool for drying the leaves and fruits, preventing a soggy salad. Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor—just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. It’s good practice to measure out all your ingredients ahead of time, so you can follow along with the recipe without interruptions.

Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 cup fresh strawberries (for dressing)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Begin by preparing the homemade berry vinaigrette, which will be the star of your Berry Spinach Salad. In a small blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. As you blend, slowly add olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. Don’t forget to season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste—a perfect dressing should have a balance of flavors, and this is where you can adapt it to suit your palate!

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Enhancing the nuttiness of your pecans is crucial for this salad. Place the chopped pecans into a dry skillet set over medium heat. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes or until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Make sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the skillet and set them aside to cool. This step adds a wonderful crunch to your salad and brings out the best in the pecans.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Now for the fun part! In a large salad bowl, add the dry baby spinach, creating a foundation for your colorful toppings. Next, evenly distribute the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and thinly sliced red onion over the spinach. Visual appeal is essential in a salad, so aim for an even distribution that showcases each ingredient beautifully. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese atop the salad, followed by the cooled, toasted pecans. Their crunch will add texture, while the feta offers a creamy contrast to the fresh fruits.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Just before you are ready to serve your salad, drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. It’s best not to add the vinaigrette too early, as spinach can wilt. Toss the salad gently to combine all the delicious ingredients, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, and enjoy your delightful Berry Spinach Salad.

Variations

Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and heartiness.
Vegetables: Include slices of cucumber, bell peppers, or even avocado for a nutrition boost.
Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a little kick in the dressing.

Cooking Notes

This salad is versatile! Substitute the greens with arugula or mixed greens if preferred.
For extra creaminess, crumble the feta yourself instead of using pre-crumbled options.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with grilled fish or chicken for a light and delightful meal.
Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish for a refreshing light lunch.

Tips

Always dry spinach and berries thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
You can make the dressing ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days, which enhances its flavor.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
Protein: 6 grams
Sodium: 300 milligrams

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the salad ahead of time by chopping the ingredients, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent wilting.

What kind of vinegar can I use for the dressing?

Apple cider vinegar works well, but you could also use red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar for a different flavor twist.

How can I store leftover salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The texture of the spinach may be affected, so it’s best to consume it fresh.

Can I substitute other fruits for the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any seasonal fruits you enjoy, such as mango or kiwi, to make your salad more personalized.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this delightful Berry Spinach Salad is a bursting blend of vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients that is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Its quick preparation time combined with the beautiful presentation makes it a winning addition to any table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits and toppings to find your perfect version. We encourage you to share your thoughts about this recipe below and let us know how it turned out for you! Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a refreshing snack, this salad is a delicious way to treat yourself to something healthy.