Okay, friends, listen up! If you’re anything like me, you crave something light and refreshing when the weather warms up. Forget those heavy, creamy potato salads; this is a must-have.Spinach Salad: What are someWhere is it at? What’s that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy? Even on the busiest weeknights, it’s a good time Is it similar to the strawberry salad with poppyseed dressing you see everywhere? With a major upgrade – hello, spinach and feta! What are some of the best potluck recipes you’ve ever tried?

What is a Spinach Salad?

Think of a classic summer salad, but leveled up!Spinach Salad: What is yourIs essentially a vibrant mix of fresh spinach, juicy berries (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries) and fresh strawberries. ), and some kind of salty, creamy cheese. Feta is my personal favorite, but goat cheese works so well too. What is the best vinaigrette to serve with your favorite meal? Isn’t it a healthy, colorful explosion on the plate, and it’s ridiculously satisfying? The sweetness of the berries against the earthy spinach and salty cheese is a flavor combination. What is the best way to do something No heavy dressings, no complicated steps – just pure, simple deliciousness.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What do you love about this book?Spinach Salad: What is yourIs that it hits all the right notes?Incredibly FlavorThe sweetness of the berries combined with the earthy spinach and salty feta is a symphony of flavors. What’s a good vinaigrette?Insanely Easy:We’re talking minimal chopping, a quick whisk of dressing, and boom – salad perfection. Even my kids can help make it happen!Budget-Spinach and berries are often on sale, and Feta is relatively inexpensive. What’s in season for a salad?Super Versatile:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or fish? I’ve even added grilled shrimp to it for a more substantial meal. What is better than a garden salad? If you love salads that are packed with flavor and take mere minutes to prepare, this is totally worth it. What is your new best friend? What is a good berry salad?

How do you make a spinach salad?

Quick Overview

Making this Spinach Salad: What are someIs it a breeze to cook spinach and berries? What’s a good vinaigrette recipe? What’s your favorite way to serve feta cheese? What is the key to flavor? Is this recipe really easy?

Ingredients

For the Salad:
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed and dried. Baby spinach is my go-to; it’s so tender!
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. What are the best berries to eat?
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, washed. Smaller blueberry tends to be sweeter!
• 1/4 cup fresh raspberries, washed (optional, but adds a lovely tartness).
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. I prefer the kind that comes in a block and I crumbling myself;
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (optional, but adds a nice crunch). When toasting, make sure you keep an eye on these. They burn easily!

For the Vinaigrette
• 3 tablespoons olive oil. Extra virgin olive oils add the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. You can also use red wine vinegar if you prefer a sharper taste.
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adds a nice tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with pepper!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

How do you wash and dry spinach? Hull and slice the strawberries, wash the blueberries and raspberries (if using), and crumble the cranberries. If you’re using almonds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from heat and serve warm. Is it fragrant and lightly golden? Keep a close eye on them!

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined? I like to use a fork for this. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too tart, add a little more honey. If you need more zing add some balsamic.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries (if using). How do you serve vinaigrette over salad? You want just enough to coat the leaves lightly.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad. Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes before serving. I actually think it tastes better slightly chilled!

Step 5: Enjoy!

What is the best way to describe yourSpinach Salad: What are someIs it good to make a salad just before serving?

What should I serve it with?

This Spinach Salad: What are someWhat are some of the best recipes for a vegetarian?For Lunch:What are some good protein options for a quick lunch?For Dinner: Serve as a side dish with grilled salmon, steak, or Pork Chops. It’s also a great accompaniment to a vegetarian main course like a quiche or frittata.
For Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a complete brunch spread. A mimosa or bellini would be the perfect beverage pairing!
For a Potluck: This salad is always a hit at potlucks and picnics. It’s easy to transport and everyone loves it. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Growing up, my mom always served a similar salad with grilled chicken on summer nights. It’s such a nostalgic dish for me. Now, I make it for my own family, and they love it just as much. I sometimes add avocado for extra creaminess! It’s a dish that just makes me happy.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Berry Spinach Salad

Okay, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for making the *perfect* Berry Spinach Salad:
Spinach TLC: Make sure your spinach is completely dry before tossing it with the dressing. Wet spinach will make the salad soggy. I use a salad spinner to get rid of excess water. Also, remove any tough stems.
Berry Bonanza: Use the freshest, ripest berries you can find. The quality of the berries will really impact the flavor of the salad. If you’re using frozen berries, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
Dressing Dynamics: Don’t overdress the salad! A little dressing goes a long way. I like to start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can also serve the dressing on the side. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different vinegars. Sometimes I use a raspberry balsamic for an extra fruity kick!
Cheese Choices: Feta is the classic choice, but goat cheese or even crumbled blue cheese would also be delicious. If you’re using goat cheese, look for a soft, creamy variety. And if you’re not a cheese fan at all, feel free to omit it!
Nutty Notes: Toasted almonds add a nice crunch, but you could also use walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds. Just make sure to toast them first to bring out their flavor. I’ve even used candied pecans before for an extra touch of sweetness.
Make Ahead Magic: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving. This will prevent the spinach from wilting. The vinaigrette can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Herb Haven: A little fresh mint or basil can really elevate this salad. Just chop it finely and sprinkle it over the top before serving.

I remember one time I accidentally used regular balsamic vinegar instead of white balsamic. The salad was still good, but it had a much darker color and a stronger flavor. So pay attention to your ingredients! Live and learn, right?

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Berry Spinach Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: This salad should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it contains cheese or berries.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The spinach will wilt slightly, but it will still be edible. I recommend storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving.
Freezer Instructions: I do not recommend freezing this salad. The spinach and berries will become mushy when thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t have a glaze, this part doesn’t apply.

The main thing to remember is that spinach wilts easily. So, the sooner you eat the salad, the better. If you know you’re going to have leftovers, I recommend only dressing the portion you’re going to eat and storing the rest of the ingredients separately. That way, the spinach will stay fresh and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to check the label).

Can I use frozen berries?

You can, but the texture won’t be quite as good. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving. This will prevent the spinach from wilting. The vinaigrette can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What other berries can I use?

Feel free to use any berries you like! Blackberries, huckleberries, or even sliced grapes would be delicious. Get creative!

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be great additions.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! My go-to Berry Spinach Salad recipe. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I truly believe that this salad is a game-changer. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy the bounty of summer. And honestly, it just makes me happy to eat it!

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes. I’ve got a great Caprese salad and a fantastic watermelon feta salad that you’ll absolutely adore.

Happy salad-making! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you try it! And don’t forget to rate the recipe. Enjoy!