Summer Berry Spinach Salad Fresh and Flavorful Dish

ByLayla
Fresh spinach is the star of this salad. Use 4 cups of fresh spinach. Wash it well to remove dirt and grit. Dry it thoroughly so the dressing sticks better. The spinach gives a nice base. It is healthy and full of nutrients. For the berries, use 1 cup of mixed types. I like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries add sweetness and a pop of color. Their juicy texture pairs well with the spinach. They also offer vitamins and antioxidants. Scatter them evenly over the spinach. This salad needs a few more tasty items. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. It gives a nice contrast to the sweet berries. Include 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for crunch. They add a great texture to each bite. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion for a bit of sharpness. Finally, mix 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of honey. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need 4 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure it is washed and dried well. This keeps your salad crisp. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. This will be the base of your salad. Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Take 1 cup of mixed berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Scatter them evenly over the spinach. This mix adds a burst of color and flavor. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This cheese gives a creamy contrast to the sweet berries. Don’t forget the crunch! Add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for a nice texture. Finally, include 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk them together until they blend well. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy finish to your salad. Drizzle it over the salad, making sure to cover everything. Gently toss the salad, mixing all the ingredients while keeping the berries intact. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking. Now your Summer Berry Spinach Salad is ready to enjoy! When picking berries, freshness is key. Look for bright colors and firm textures. Strawberries should be red all over, not just at the tips. Blueberries should be plump and smooth, while raspberries need to be intact and not mushy. Buy organic when you can. They taste better and are better for you. Start with clean spinach. Wash it well to remove dirt. Dry it gently in a salad spinner or with paper towels. This keeps the leaves crisp. Layer the salad for a pretty look. Place spinach first, then add the mixed berries. Top with feta and almonds. Toss gently to keep the berries whole. For the best dressing, mix balsamic vinaigrette and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This makes a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the berries well. Drizzle it evenly over the salad, but don’t drown it. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Always serve the dressing on the side if you plan to store leftovers. Pro Tips Customize Your Berries: Feel free to use whatever berries are in season or available. Blackberries and cherries can also be delightful additions! Make It Ahead: Prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Toss together just before serving to keep everything fresh. Dress It Right: For a more intense flavor, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes after dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, turning this salad into a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change the fruits in your salad. As seasons change, use what is fresh. In spring, try adding ripe peaches or plums. In fall, consider apples or pears. Each fruit brings a unique flavor. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting. Just remember, pair sweet fruits with your spinach for the best taste. Want to add more protein? Grilled chicken works well in this salad. You can also try chickpeas or quinoa for a plant-based choice. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans boosts protein too. These options make your salad filling and tasty. It’s great to mix and match for your needs. For a vegan twist, leave out the feta cheese. You can substitute it with avocado. This gives creaminess without dairy. Use a vegan dressing, like lemon juice with olive oil. This keeps the salad light and zesty. You can enjoy all the flavors while staying true to your diet. To keep your Summer Berry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. The spinach wilts quickly, so eat it within a day. If you want to save it for later, keep the dressing separate. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. You can prep some parts ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach a day before. Store it in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. You can also prepare the mixed berries. Just wash them and store them in the fridge. Slice the onions and almonds if you like. But wait to mix everything until you are ready to eat. Use airtight containers for storage. A large glass bowl works well for the salad. If you have a smaller bowl for the dressing, use that too. Mason jars are great for single servings. They keep everything fresh and make it easy to grab on the go. Yes, you can use frozen berries. They work well in this salad. However, they may release some juice. This juice can make the salad a bit soggy. If you use frozen berries, let them thaw first. Drain any extra liquid before adding them to the salad. This way, you keep the salad fresh and tasty. You can store leftover salad for one to two days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The spinach may wilt over time, so eat it sooner rather than later. If you store the dressing separately, it helps keep the salad fresh longer. Just dress it before you eat. Many dressings pair nicely with this salad. You could try a citrus vinaigrette for a zesty flavor. A honey mustard dressing adds a sweet touch. Even a light ranch dressing can work well. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor! We discussed how to make a tasty salad with fresh spinach and mixed berries. You learned about preparing the base, assembling the salad, and making a delicious dressing. I shared helpful tips for choosing the best berries and perfecting your salad. There are many variations, like adding protein or making your dish vegan. Store your salad right to keep it fresh. Remember, simple ingredients and steps can create something special. Enjoy your healthy salad and feel good about your meal choices!

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Summer is the perfect time for light, fresh meals, and I’ve got just the dish for you! My Summer Berry Spinach Salad is a burst of flavor in every bite. With fresh spinach and juicy berries, it’s healthy and easy to make. Whether you need a quick lunch or a side for dinner, this salad fits the bill. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delightful dish!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh and Vibrant: This salad is bursting with the flavors of summer, making it a refreshing choice for hot days.
  2. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and berries, this salad is a guilt-free option that nourishes the body.
  3. Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adapt this salad with different fruits, nuts, or cheeses based on your preferences.

Ingredients

Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach is the star of this salad. Use 4 cups of fresh spinach. Wash it well to remove dirt and grit. Dry it thoroughly so the dressing sticks better. The spinach gives a nice base. It is healthy and full of nutrients.

Mixed Berries

For the berries, use 1 cup of mixed types. I like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries add sweetness and a pop of color. Their juicy texture pairs well with the spinach. They also offer vitamins and antioxidants. Scatter them evenly over the spinach.

Additional Ingredients

This salad needs a few more tasty items. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. It gives a nice contrast to the sweet berries. Include 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for crunch. They add a great texture to each bite. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion for a bit of sharpness. Finally, mix 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of honey. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need 4 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure it is washed and dried well. This keeps your salad crisp. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. This will be the base of your salad.

Assembling the Salad

Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Take 1 cup of mixed berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Scatter them evenly over the spinach. This mix adds a burst of color and flavor. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This cheese gives a creamy contrast to the sweet berries. Don’t forget the crunch! Add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for a nice texture. Finally, include 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk them together until they blend well. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy finish to your salad. Drizzle it over the salad, making sure to cover everything. Gently toss the salad, mixing all the ingredients while keeping the berries intact. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking. Now your Summer Berry Spinach Salad is ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Best Berries

When picking berries, freshness is key. Look for bright colors and firm textures. Strawberries should be red all over, not just at the tips. Blueberries should be plump and smooth, while raspberries need to be intact and not mushy. Buy organic when you can. They taste better and are better for you.

Salad Preparation Tips

Start with clean spinach. Wash it well to remove dirt. Dry it gently in a salad spinner or with paper towels. This keeps the leaves crisp. Layer the salad for a pretty look. Place spinach first, then add the mixed berries. Top with feta and almonds. Toss gently to keep the berries whole.

Perfecting the Dressing

For the best dressing, mix balsamic vinaigrette and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This makes a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the berries well. Drizzle it evenly over the salad, but don’t drown it. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Always serve the dressing on the side if you plan to store leftovers.

Pro Tips

  1. Customize Your Berries: Feel free to use whatever berries are in season or available. Blackberries and cherries can also be delightful additions!
  2. Make It Ahead: Prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Toss together just before serving to keep everything fresh.
  3. Dress It Right: For a more intense flavor, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes after dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, turning this salad into a complete meal.

Variations

Seasonal Substitutions

You can easily change the fruits in your salad. As seasons change, use what is fresh. In spring, try adding ripe peaches or plums. In fall, consider apples or pears. Each fruit brings a unique flavor. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting. Just remember, pair sweet fruits with your spinach for the best taste.

Additional Protein Options

Want to add more protein? Grilled chicken works well in this salad. You can also try chickpeas or quinoa for a plant-based choice. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans boosts protein too. These options make your salad filling and tasty. It’s great to mix and match for your needs.

Vegan & Dairy-Free Alternatives

For a vegan twist, leave out the feta cheese. You can substitute it with avocado. This gives creaminess without dairy. Use a vegan dressing, like lemon juice with olive oil. This keeps the salad light and zesty. You can enjoy all the flavors while staying true to your diet.

Storage Info

Keeping the Salad Fresh

To keep your Summer Berry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. The spinach wilts quickly, so eat it within a day. If you want to save it for later, keep the dressing separate. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty.

Prepping in Advance

You can prep some parts ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach a day before. Store it in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. You can also prepare the mixed berries. Just wash them and store them in the fridge. Slice the onions and almonds if you like. But wait to mix everything until you are ready to eat.

Recommended Containers

Use airtight containers for storage. A large glass bowl works well for the salad. If you have a smaller bowl for the dressing, use that too. Mason jars are great for single servings. They keep everything fresh and make it easy to grab on the go.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries. They work well in this salad. However, they may release some juice. This juice can make the salad a bit soggy. If you use frozen berries, let them thaw first. Drain any extra liquid before adding them to the salad. This way, you keep the salad fresh and tasty.

How long can I store leftover salad?

You can store leftover salad for one to two days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The spinach may wilt over time, so eat it sooner rather than later. If you store the dressing separately, it helps keep the salad fresh longer. Just dress it before you eat.

What other dressings work with this salad?

Many dressings pair nicely with this salad. You could try a citrus vinaigrette for a zesty flavor. A honey mustard dressing adds a sweet touch. Even a light ranch dressing can work well. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor!

We discussed how to make a tasty salad with fresh spinach and mixed berries. You learned about preparing the base, assembling the salad, and making a delicious dressing. I shared helpful tips for choosing the best berries and perfecting your salad. There are many variations, like adding protein or making your dish vegan. Store your salad right to keep it fresh. Remember, simple ingredients and steps can create something special. Enjoy your healthy salad and feel good about your meal choice

Fresh spinach is the star of this salad. Use 4 cups of fresh spinach. Wash it well to remove dirt and grit. Dry it thoroughly so the dressing sticks better. The spinach gives a nice base. It is healthy and full of nutrients. For the berries, use 1 cup of mixed types. I like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries add sweetness and a pop of color. Their juicy texture pairs well with the spinach. They also offer vitamins and antioxidants. Scatter them evenly over the spinach. This salad needs a few more tasty items. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. It gives a nice contrast to the sweet berries. Include 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for crunch. They add a great texture to each bite. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion for a bit of sharpness. Finally, mix 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of honey. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need 4 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure it is washed and dried well. This keeps your salad crisp. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. This will be the base of your salad. Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Take 1 cup of mixed berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Scatter them evenly over the spinach. This mix adds a burst of color and flavor. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This cheese gives a creamy contrast to the sweet berries. Don’t forget the crunch! Add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds for a nice texture. Finally, include 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk them together until they blend well. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy finish to your salad. Drizzle it over the salad, making sure to cover everything. Gently toss the salad, mixing all the ingredients while keeping the berries intact. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your liking. Now your Summer Berry Spinach Salad is ready to enjoy! When picking berries, freshness is key. Look for bright colors and firm textures. Strawberries should be red all over, not just at the tips. Blueberries should be plump and smooth, while raspberries need to be intact and not mushy. Buy organic when you can. They taste better and are better for you. Start with clean spinach. Wash it well to remove dirt. Dry it gently in a salad spinner or with paper towels. This keeps the leaves crisp. Layer the salad for a pretty look. Place spinach first, then add the mixed berries. Top with feta and almonds. Toss gently to keep the berries whole. For the best dressing, mix balsamic vinaigrette and honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. This makes a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the berries well. Drizzle it evenly over the salad, but don’t drown it. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Always serve the dressing on the side if you plan to store leftovers. Pro Tips Customize Your Berries: Feel free to use whatever berries are in season or available. Blackberries and cherries can also be delightful additions! Make It Ahead: Prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Toss together just before serving to keep everything fresh. Dress It Right: For a more intense flavor, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes after dressing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, turning this salad into a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change the fruits in your salad. As seasons change, use what is fresh. In spring, try adding ripe peaches or plums. In fall, consider apples or pears. Each fruit brings a unique flavor. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting. Just remember, pair sweet fruits with your spinach for the best taste. Want to add more protein? Grilled chicken works well in this salad. You can also try chickpeas or quinoa for a plant-based choice. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans boosts protein too. These options make your salad filling and tasty. It’s great to mix and match for your needs. For a vegan twist, leave out the feta cheese. You can substitute it with avocado. This gives creaminess without dairy. Use a vegan dressing, like lemon juice with olive oil. This keeps the salad light and zesty. You can enjoy all the flavors while staying true to your diet. To keep your Summer Berry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. The spinach wilts quickly, so eat it within a day. If you want to save it for later, keep the dressing separate. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. You can prep some parts ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach a day before. Store it in a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. You can also prepare the mixed berries. Just wash them and store them in the fridge. Slice the onions and almonds if you like. But wait to mix everything until you are ready to eat. Use airtight containers for storage. A large glass bowl works well for the salad. If you have a smaller bowl for the dressing, use that too. Mason jars are great for single servings. They keep everything fresh and make it easy to grab on the go. Yes, you can use frozen berries. They work well in this salad. However, they may release some juice. This juice can make the salad a bit soggy. If you use frozen berries, let them thaw first. Drain any extra liquid before adding them to the salad. This way, you keep the salad fresh and tasty. You can store leftover salad for one to two days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The spinach may wilt over time, so eat it sooner rather than later. If you store the dressing separately, it helps keep the salad fresh longer. Just dress it before you eat. Many dressings pair nicely with this salad. You could try a citrus vinaigrette for a zesty flavor. A honey mustard dressing adds a sweet touch. Even a light ranch dressing can work well. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor! We discussed how to make a tasty salad with fresh spinach and mixed berries. You learned about preparing the base, assembling the salad, and making a delicious dressing. I shared helpful tips for choosing the best berries and perfecting your salad. There are many variations, like adding protein or making your dish vegan. Store your salad right to keep it fresh. Remember, simple ingredients and steps can create something special. Enjoy your healthy salad and feel good about your meal choices!

Summer Berry Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach and a mix of berries, topped with feta cheese and a honey balsamic dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, place the fresh spinach as the base.
  • Add the mixed berries on top of the spinach—scatter the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the berries for a creamy contrast.
  • Add the sliced almonds for a crunchy texture.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette and honey until well combined.
  • Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the salad, ensuring even coverage.
  • Gently toss the salad to mix all the ingredients while keeping the berries intact.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl, garnished with a few whole berries on top and extra sliced almonds for added flair.
Keyword berries, feta, healthy, salad, spinach

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