Description
Berry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing combination of tender baby spinach, mixed fresh berries, creamy feta cheese, crunchy nuts, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a bright and tangy homemade balsamic dressing. This salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying texture, making it an ideal quick lunch or side dish that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare produce: Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach and all berries to ensure the salad stays fresh and crisp. Slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine salad ingredients: Place the baby spinach into a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and sliced avocado on top.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad with salad tongs or two large spoons until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the fresh textures and bright flavors. For best texture, add avocado and dressing just before serving if preparing in advance.
Notes
- Use fresh berries whenever possible for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding.
- Baby spinach is preferred for tenderness; mature spinach can be substituted but may be tougher.
- To add protein, consider grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan based on preference.
- Swap out nuts for almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds depending on dietary needs or taste.
- Store salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add avocado and toss just before serving.
- Try alternative dressings such as poppy seed, honey mustard, or lemon vinaigrette to vary the flavor profile.
- Add additional fruits like apples, pears, peaches, grapes, or cherries for a twist.
- This salad is naturally vegetarian; select cheeses accordingly to maintain dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
