Berry Spinach Salad: A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite
As the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm our skin, I find myself craving light, refreshing meals that celebrate the beauty of fresh produce. One of my favorite ways to embrace the vibrant flavors of spring is with a Berry Spinach Salad. There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet, juicy berries nestled atop tender, lively spinach. This salad isn’t just food; it’s a moment of joy, a bite that brings back memories of picnics in the park or sun-drenched brunches with dear friends.
Imagine the crunch of toasted pecans, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the delicate, zesty vinaigrette drizzled over all that colorful goodness. This Berry Spinach Salad is the perfect easy weeknight dinner side, brunch centerpiece, or a delightful addition to any gathering. Trust me, you’ll want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Whip this salad up in just 10 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Fresh & Flavorful: The bright, fresh berries combined with the comforting spinach create a sensational explosion of flavors.
- No Cooking Required: Just toss everything together for an effortless and delicious dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, everyone will adore this colorful salad.
- Nutrient-Packed: Leafy greens, fruits, and healthy fats make this salad a wholesome choice for your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Berry Spinach Salad
Gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Feel the excitement of mixing those vibrant colors!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette. Take a moment to admire the glossy, inviting texture.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Watch as the colors blend beautifully under that light dressing!
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans, adding a creamy, nutty dimension to the salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this explosion of freshness!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Fruity Twists: Swap in seasonal fruits like peaches or mandarin oranges for a zesty twist that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Add Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken or sliced turkey for a satisfying main dish that will keep you full.
- Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your thing, try walnuts or slivered almonds for a different crunch.
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic, refreshing punch that brightens the entire dish.
My Best Kitchen Secrets
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the salad components in advance; just keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to serve, to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Get Creative with Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or shredded mozzarella would work beautifully in this salad.
- Slicing Strawberries: For perfectly sliced strawberries, hold the berry in one hand and use a sharp knife to cut from the top down, creating even, dainty slices perfect for topping your salad.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a day; however, be mindful that the spinach may wilt.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 205
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 232mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prep all the ingredients, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or nuts — the possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for one day; the salad is best enjoyed fresh.
How long does it last?
Enjoy your salad within a day for maximum freshness and flavor.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Berry Spinach Salad is a celebration of spring and a reminder to savor fresh flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection. Don’t forget to save this Berry Spinach Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, my friends!
Print
Berry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing salad featuring a mix of vibrant berries and spinach, topped with creamy feta and toasted pecans, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Make the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the salad fresh. You can prepare the salad components in advance but dress them before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 232mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: salad, spinach, berries, refreshing, healthy, easy recipe