Savory Summer Berry Spinach Salad Fresh and Crisp
![For the Summer Berry Spinach Salad, you will need: - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced Fresh spinach is the base of this salad. It brings a crisp texture and bright color. Mixed berries add sweetness and a burst of flavor. Feta cheese gives a creamy touch, while nuts add crunch. Red onion contributes a mild bite. Together, these ingredients create a fresh and colorful dish. For the dressing, gather these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil This dressing balances sweetness and tang. Honey adds a light sweetness, while balsamic vinegar offers depth. Olive oil helps to blend the flavors and adds richness. Whisk these together for a simple yet tasty dressing. To finish the salad, you will need: - Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper are key for enhancing flavors. A pinch of salt can brighten the salad. Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick. Use these seasonings to taste, ensuring every bite is flavorful. This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is easy to make and delightful to eat. For the full recipe, check out the details. Start by washing and drying the spinach. Rinse it gently under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry it well. This step ensures your salad stays crisp. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Place the dried spinach into the bowl and set it aside. Now it’s time to add fresh produce. Rinse the mixed berries under cold water. If you have large strawberries, slice them into smaller pieces. Add the berries to your bowl with spinach. Next, thinly slice the red onion. Sprinkle the onion over the spinach and berries. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. For the dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing balances sweetness and acidity. Taste it and adjust as needed. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Make sure to coat all the ingredients lightly. Use a large spoon to toss the salad gently. Be careful not to mash the berries. You want everything mixed well without squishing the fruit. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds or walnuts on top. This adds creaminess and crunch. For the full recipe, follow the instructions above! When you shop for berries, choose what’s in season. Seasonal berries taste better and are often cheaper. For summer, look for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries add great flavor to your salad. To tell if berries are ripe, check their color. Strawberries should be bright red. Blueberries must be deep blue with a slight bloom. Raspberries should be plump and firm, with no mushy spots. Smell them, too! Fresh berries have a sweet aroma. Spinach packs a lot of nutrients. It is low in calories but high in vitamins A and C. Eating spinach can help your skin and boost your immune system. Berries are also full of antioxidants. They help fight disease and keep your heart healthy. For protein, feta cheese adds a nice touch. You can also use nuts like almonds or walnuts. These not only provide protein but healthy fats, too. Together, they make the salad filling and nutritious. For a beautiful salad, serve it in a large shallow bowl. This allows the colors to shine. You can also use individual plates for a fancy look. Garnishing ideas include a sprinkle of extra feta or nuts on top. A few whole berries can make it pop with color. Drizzling a little extra dressing adds a nice finish. These simple touches will impress your guests. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} If you want to make this salad vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You can also use avocado for creaminess. For a gluten-free option, check your balsamic vinegar. Most are gluten-free, but always read the label. This salad naturally fits into a gluten-free diet without any changes. I love using feta cheese in this salad. Its salty flavor pairs well with the sweet berries. Goat cheese is another great choice. It adds a tangy taste that complements the spinach. If you prefer plant-based choices, try cashew cheese or almond feta. Both options provide a rich flavor and creamy texture to your dish. You can mix in other fruits for added flavor. Think about including sliced peaches or juicy oranges. They add a nice sweetness and a pop of color. If you want more protein, grilled chicken is perfect. It makes the salad filling and hearty. Quinoa is another great add-in. It gives a nice crunch while boosting the nutrition. For the full recipe, check the details above. To store your leftover Summer Berry Spinach Salad, use a tight-sealing container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before use. You want to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Store the salad in the fridge. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. This will help keep the salad's taste intact. Properly stored, your salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Look out for signs of spoilage. If the spinach wilts or the berries become mushy, it's time to toss it. A strange smell is also a clear sign that the salad is no longer good. You can get creative with leftover salad. Toss it into a wrap for a tasty lunch. Add leftover grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You can also mix it into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice. This way, you reduce waste and enjoy new flavors! Yes, you can prep the salad ahead. I suggest preparing the spinach and berries first. Keep them separate from the dressing until you are ready to serve. This helps keep everything fresh and crisp. You can mix the salad a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge. I love using a mix of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are my favorites. They all add a different flavor. You can even try blackberries if you like. Aim for ripe and juicy berries for the best taste. Yes, there are many great dressings for this salad. You could use a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh twist. A poppy seed dressing also pairs well with berries. If you want something creamy, a yogurt-based dressing could work too. Washing spinach is simple. Start by filling a bowl with cold water. Add the spinach and gently swish it around. This helps remove dirt. After rinsing, lift the spinach out and let it drain. You can also use a salad spinner to dry it well. This article covered how to make a fresh and tasty salad. We explored the best ingredients, like spinach, berries, cheese, and nuts. I shared simple steps to prepare and mix everything, along with tips for selecting great produce. Remember, you can switch ingredients to fit your diet or taste. Storing leftovers properly ensures your salad stays fresh. Enjoy creating your own variations and impressing friends and family. Eating healthy can be fun and delicious!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5f6f3c08-a552-4e10-ab55-3c96ca32b52c.webp)
Summer is the perfect time for fresh flavors, and my Savory Summer Berry Spinach Salad brings just that! This dish is a vibrant mix of tender spinach, juicy mixed berries, and creamy cheese, drizzled with a sweet and tangy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a light dinner, this salad is both refreshing and easy to make. Join me as we explore how to create a delicious, crisp salad that shines with summer’s best ingredients!
Ingredients
List of Fresh Ingredients
For the Summer Berry Spinach Salad, you will need:
– 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh spinach is the base of this salad. It brings a crisp texture and bright color. Mixed berries add sweetness and a burst of flavor. Feta cheese gives a creamy touch, while nuts add crunch. Red onion contributes a mild bite. Together, these ingredients create a fresh and colorful dish.
Dressing Components
For the dressing, gather these ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
This dressing balances sweetness and tang. Honey adds a light sweetness, while balsamic vinegar offers depth. Olive oil helps to blend the flavors and adds richness. Whisk these together for a simple yet tasty dressing.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers
To finish the salad, you will need:
– Salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper are key for enhancing flavors. A pinch of salt can brighten the salad. Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick. Use these seasonings to taste, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is easy to make and delightful to eat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
Start by washing and drying the spinach. Rinse it gently under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry it well. This step ensures your salad stays crisp. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Place the dried spinach into the bowl and set it aside.
Adding Fresh Produce
Now it’s time to add fresh produce. Rinse the mixed berries under cold water. If you have large strawberries, slice them into smaller pieces. Add the berries to your bowl with spinach. Next, thinly slice the red onion. Sprinkle the onion over the spinach and berries. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
Making the Dressing
For the dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing balances sweetness and acidity. Taste it and adjust as needed. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey.
Combining the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Make sure to coat all the ingredients lightly. Use a large spoon to toss the salad gently. Be careful not to mash the berries. You want everything mixed well without squishing the fruit. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds or walnuts on top. This adds creaminess and crunch.
Tips & Tricks
Selecting Fresh Berries
When you shop for berries, choose what’s in season. Seasonal berries taste better and are often cheaper. For summer, look for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries add great flavor to your salad.
To tell if berries are ripe, check their color. Strawberries should be bright red. Blueberries must be deep blue with a slight bloom. Raspberries should be plump and firm, with no mushy spots. Smell them, too! Fresh berries have a sweet aroma.
Nutritional Benefits
Spinach packs a lot of nutrients. It is low in calories but high in vitamins A and C. Eating spinach can help your skin and boost your immune system. Berries are also full of antioxidants. They help fight disease and keep your heart healthy.
For protein, feta cheese adds a nice touch. You can also use nuts like almonds or walnuts. These not only provide protein but healthy fats, too. Together, they make the salad filling and nutritious.
Presentation Suggestions
For a beautiful salad, serve it in a large shallow bowl. This allows the colors to shine. You can also use individual plates for a fancy look.
Garnishing ideas include a sprinkle of extra feta or nuts on top. A few whole berries can make it pop with color. Drizzling a little extra dressing adds a nice finish. These simple touches will impress your guests.
Variations
Dietary Substitutions
If you want to make this salad vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You can also use avocado for creaminess.
For a gluten-free option, check your balsamic vinegar. Most are gluten-free, but always read the label. This salad naturally fits into a gluten-free diet without any changes.
Different Cheese Options
I love using feta cheese in this salad. Its salty flavor pairs well with the sweet berries. Goat cheese is another great choice. It adds a tangy taste that complements the spinach.
If you prefer plant-based choices, try cashew cheese or almond feta. Both options provide a rich flavor and creamy texture to your dish.
Additional Ingredients to Consider
You can mix in other fruits for added flavor. Think about including sliced peaches or juicy oranges. They add a nice sweetness and a pop of color.
If you want more protein, grilled chicken is perfect. It makes the salad filling and hearty. Quinoa is another great add-in. It gives a nice crunch while boosting the nutrition.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To store your leftover Summer Berry Spinach Salad, use a tight-sealing container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before use. You want to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Store the salad in the fridge. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. This will help keep the salad’s taste intact.
How Long It Lasts
Properly stored, your salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Look out for signs of spoilage. If the spinach wilts or the berries become mushy, it’s time to toss it. A strange smell is also a clear sign that the salad is no longer good.
Reworking Leftovers
You can get creative with leftover salad. Toss it into a wrap for a tasty lunch. Add leftover grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You can also mix it into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice. This way, you reduce waste and enjoy new flavors!
FAQs
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the salad ahead. I suggest preparing the spinach and berries first. Keep them separate from the dressing until you are ready to serve. This helps keep everything fresh and crisp. You can mix the salad a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge.
What types of berries work best?
I love using a mix of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are my favorites. They all add a different flavor. You can even try blackberries if you like. Aim for ripe and juicy berries for the best taste.
Is there an alternative dressing I can use?
Yes, there are many great dressings for this salad. You could use a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh twist. A poppy seed dressing also pairs well with berries. If you want something creamy, a yogurt-based dressing could work too.
How should I wash spinach properly?
Washing spinach is simple. Start by filling a bowl with cold water. Add the spinach and gently swish it around. This helps remove dirt. After rinsing, lift the spinach out and let it drain. You can also use a salad spinner to dry it well.
This article covered how to make a fresh and tasty salad. We explored the best ingredients, like spinach, berries, cheese, and nuts. I shared simple steps to prepare and mix everything, along with tips for selecting great produce.
Remember, you can switch ingredients to fit your diet or taste. Storing leftovers properly ensures your salad stays fresh. Enjoy creating your own variations and impressing friends and family. Eating healthy can be fun and delicious!
![For the Summer Berry Spinach Salad, you will need: - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced Fresh spinach is the base of this salad. It brings a crisp texture and bright color. Mixed berries add sweetness and a burst of flavor. Feta cheese gives a creamy touch, while nuts add crunch. Red onion contributes a mild bite. Together, these ingredients create a fresh and colorful dish. For the dressing, gather these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil This dressing balances sweetness and tang. Honey adds a light sweetness, while balsamic vinegar offers depth. Olive oil helps to blend the flavors and adds richness. Whisk these together for a simple yet tasty dressing. To finish the salad, you will need: - Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper are key for enhancing flavors. A pinch of salt can brighten the salad. Freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick. Use these seasonings to taste, ensuring every bite is flavorful. This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is easy to make and delightful to eat. For the full recipe, check out the details. Start by washing and drying the spinach. Rinse it gently under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry it well. This step ensures your salad stays crisp. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Place the dried spinach into the bowl and set it aside. Now it’s time to add fresh produce. Rinse the mixed berries under cold water. If you have large strawberries, slice them into smaller pieces. Add the berries to your bowl with spinach. Next, thinly slice the red onion. Sprinkle the onion over the spinach and berries. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. For the dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing balances sweetness and acidity. Taste it and adjust as needed. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Make sure to coat all the ingredients lightly. Use a large spoon to toss the salad gently. Be careful not to mash the berries. You want everything mixed well without squishing the fruit. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds or walnuts on top. This adds creaminess and crunch. For the full recipe, follow the instructions above! When you shop for berries, choose what’s in season. Seasonal berries taste better and are often cheaper. For summer, look for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries add great flavor to your salad. To tell if berries are ripe, check their color. Strawberries should be bright red. Blueberries must be deep blue with a slight bloom. Raspberries should be plump and firm, with no mushy spots. Smell them, too! Fresh berries have a sweet aroma. Spinach packs a lot of nutrients. It is low in calories but high in vitamins A and C. Eating spinach can help your skin and boost your immune system. Berries are also full of antioxidants. They help fight disease and keep your heart healthy. For protein, feta cheese adds a nice touch. You can also use nuts like almonds or walnuts. These not only provide protein but healthy fats, too. Together, they make the salad filling and nutritious. For a beautiful salad, serve it in a large shallow bowl. This allows the colors to shine. You can also use individual plates for a fancy look. Garnishing ideas include a sprinkle of extra feta or nuts on top. A few whole berries can make it pop with color. Drizzling a little extra dressing adds a nice finish. These simple touches will impress your guests. For the full recipe and more ideas, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} If you want to make this salad vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You can also use avocado for creaminess. For a gluten-free option, check your balsamic vinegar. Most are gluten-free, but always read the label. This salad naturally fits into a gluten-free diet without any changes. I love using feta cheese in this salad. Its salty flavor pairs well with the sweet berries. Goat cheese is another great choice. It adds a tangy taste that complements the spinach. If you prefer plant-based choices, try cashew cheese or almond feta. Both options provide a rich flavor and creamy texture to your dish. You can mix in other fruits for added flavor. Think about including sliced peaches or juicy oranges. They add a nice sweetness and a pop of color. If you want more protein, grilled chicken is perfect. It makes the salad filling and hearty. Quinoa is another great add-in. It gives a nice crunch while boosting the nutrition. For the full recipe, check the details above. To store your leftover Summer Berry Spinach Salad, use a tight-sealing container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before use. You want to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Store the salad in the fridge. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. This will help keep the salad's taste intact. Properly stored, your salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Look out for signs of spoilage. If the spinach wilts or the berries become mushy, it's time to toss it. A strange smell is also a clear sign that the salad is no longer good. You can get creative with leftover salad. Toss it into a wrap for a tasty lunch. Add leftover grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You can also mix it into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice. This way, you reduce waste and enjoy new flavors! Yes, you can prep the salad ahead. I suggest preparing the spinach and berries first. Keep them separate from the dressing until you are ready to serve. This helps keep everything fresh and crisp. You can mix the salad a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge. I love using a mix of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are my favorites. They all add a different flavor. You can even try blackberries if you like. Aim for ripe and juicy berries for the best taste. Yes, there are many great dressings for this salad. You could use a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh twist. A poppy seed dressing also pairs well with berries. If you want something creamy, a yogurt-based dressing could work too. Washing spinach is simple. Start by filling a bowl with cold water. Add the spinach and gently swish it around. This helps remove dirt. After rinsing, lift the spinach out and let it drain. You can also use a salad spinner to dry it well. This article covered how to make a fresh and tasty salad. We explored the best ingredients, like spinach, berries, cheese, and nuts. I shared simple steps to prepare and mix everything, along with tips for selecting great produce. Remember, you can switch ingredients to fit your diet or taste. Storing leftovers properly ensures your salad stays fresh. Enjoy creating your own variations and impressing friends and family. Eating healthy can be fun and delicious!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5f6f3c08-a552-4e10-ab55-3c96ca32b52c-300x300.webp)
