Spinach Berry Salad

There’s something refreshing about a well-made salad, and the Spinach Berry Salad is a perfect example of how vibrant and lively vegetables can come together. I remember the first time I made this salad; it was a sunny spring afternoon, and I felt inspired by the beautiful colors of fresh produce at the local farmer’s market. As I picked out the ripest strawberries, blueberries, and the freshest spinach, I could already envision how these ingredients would marry together in this delightful dish. The moment I tossed everything together with a light poppy seed dressing, the aroma filled my kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in right away.

Every bite of the Spinach Berry Salad is like a burst of spring on your palate. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet, juicy berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese creates a perfect harmony. Adding a homemade dressing elevates this salad even more, ensuring that each ingredient shines. This dish became an instant favorite in my household, often requested during gatherings or simply on a cozy lunch day. I love how it brings a lightness to any meal, making it ideal for those warmer days when you crave something refreshing yet satisfying.

Ingredient List for Spinach Berry Salad

The ingredients for the Spinach Berry Salad work together beautifully, each playing a crucial role in creating a refreshing and flavorful dish. The key players here are the fresh baby spinach, sweet berries, and a luscious poppy seed dressing that ties all the flavors together.

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and rich, this yogurt forms the base of the dressing, adding a tangy flavor and creaminess that perfectly complements the freshness of the salad.
• ¼ cup milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the dressing, milk makes it pourable while keeping it light.
• 1 tablespoon honey: This natural sweetener balances the tanginess of the yogurt and mustard, enhancing the overall flavor of the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a kick of flavor to the dressing, giving it depth and a slight sharpness.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: These little seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the dressing.
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach: The star of the salad, fresh baby spinach is tender and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect base.
• ½ cup strawberries: These juicy fruits add sweetness and a pop of color, making the salad visually stunning.
• ⅓ cup roasted salted walnuts: Providing crunch and healthy fats, walnuts enhance the texture and flavor profile of the salad.
• ¼ cup raspberries: These tart berries complement the sweetness of the strawberries and add more vibrant color.
• ¼ cup blueberries: Bursting with flavor, blueberries provide additional sweetness and a lovely contrast to the other fruits.
• 2 ounces goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese adds richness and pairs perfectly with the berries and spinach.

How to Prepare Spinach Berry Salad

Making the Spinach Berry Salad is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to create a refreshing dish that’s sure to impress.

1. Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a slight tang from the yogurt. Taste it to see if you want to adjust the sweetness or tartness, adding more honey if needed.
2. Once the dressing is mixed, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while you prepare the salad.
3. Next, in a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach. Make sure the leaves are clean and dry—this helps the dressing stick better later on.
4. Now, it’s time to add the berries. Gently add the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to the bowl. Their vibrant colors will brighten up the spinach and create a visually appealing salad.
5. Sprinkle the roasted salted walnuts over the top. Their crunchy texture will provide a nice contrast to the tender spinach and soft berries.
6. Lastly, crumble the goat cheese over the salad. The creaminess of the cheese will blend beautifully with the other ingredients, adding depth to each bite.
7. Now, it’s time to dress the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top, using about half to three-quarters of it to start. You can always add more, but it’s better to start light.
8. Using two large forks or tongs, gently toss the salad together. You want to coat the leaves and fruits without crushing them. The goal is to have a beautiful mix of colors and textures.
9. Once everything is well combined, serve the salad immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunchy texture of the walnuts and the vibrant flavors of the fruits.

Substitutions and Tips

Whether you’re looking to switch things up or need some helpful tips while making the Spinach Berry Salad, here are some great suggestions.

• Storage: How to store leftovers: If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, I recommend keeping the dressing separate to prevent the spinach from wilting. If dressed, it’s best eaten within a day.
• Freezing: Can you freeze this? While I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture will change, you can freeze leftover dressing for later use.
• Pairing: What to serve with this: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also a great side dish for barbecues.
• Variations: Change up the nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try using pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
• Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for an extra burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Spinach Berry Salad

Serving the Spinach Berry Salad can be as creative as you want it to be. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Grilled Chicken: Pair this salad with grilled chicken for a hearty lunch or dinner. The flavors of the chicken complement the sweetness of the berries beautifully.
• Fish Dishes: It works great with light fish dishes like salmon or tilapia. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the fish.
• Brunch Option: Serve this salad as a centerpiece for a spring brunch, alongside quiche or frittatas. It adds a fresh touch to the table.
• Picnic Treat: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this salad is delightful for picnics. Pack it in a container and enjoy it with some crusty bread.
• Seasonal Sides: During the warmer months, consider pairing it with grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes for a light, nutritious meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spinach Berry Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful array of flavors and textures that will brighten up any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a casual lunch, it’s bound to impress. I encourage you to try making this salad; it’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for spring gatherings. You won’t regret bringing this refreshing dish to your table!

Spinach Berry Salad

The ultimate refreshing salad packed with vibrant flavors! The Spinach Berry Salad combines creamy, tangy dressing with crisp spinach and a medley of sweet berries. Perfect for spring and delightful at any gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup strawberries halved, diced, or quartered
• ⅓ cup roasted salted walnuts
• ¼ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup blueberries
• 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Whisk
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a slight tang from the yogurt. Taste it to see if you want to adjust the sweetness or tartness, adding more honey if needed.
2. Once the dressing is mixed, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while you prepare the salad.
3. Next, in a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach. Make sure the leaves are clean and dry—this helps the dressing stick better later on.
4. Now, it’s time to add the berries. Gently add the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to the bowl. Their vibrant colors will brighten up the spinach and create a visually appealing salad.
5. Sprinkle the roasted salted walnuts over the top. Their crunchy texture will provide a nice contrast to the tender spinach and soft berries.
6. Lastly, crumble the goat cheese over the salad. The creaminess of the cheese will blend beautifully with the other ingredients, adding depth to each bite.
7. Now, it’s time to dress the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top, using about half to three-quarters of it to start. You can always add more, but it’s better to start light.
8. Using two large forks or tongs, gently toss the salad together. You want to coat the leaves and fruits without crushing them. The goal is to have a beautiful mix of colors and textures.
9. Once everything is well combined, serve the salad immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunchy texture of the walnuts and the vibrant flavors of the fruits.

Notes

Storage: If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, I recommend keeping the dressing separate to prevent the spinach from wilting. If dressed, it’s best eaten within a day.

Freezing: While I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture will change, you can freeze leftover dressing for later use.

Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also a great side dish for barbecues.

Variations: Change up the nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try using pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor.

Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for an extra burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.