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- 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and freshly ground black pepper For a great salad, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with fresh spinach. It gives the salad a nice base. Use bright, colorful mixed berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work well together. They add sweetness and a pop of color. Next, crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess. It pairs perfectly with the berries. The salty flavor of the feta contrasts nicely with the sweet berries. For a bit of crunch, add sliced almonds. They bring texture and nutty flavor. Now for the dressing! A balsamic vinaigrette gives the salad a tangy kick. Mixing in honey adds a hint of sweetness. The balance of flavors will make your taste buds dance. Finally, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings enhance all the flavors. With these fresh ingredients, your Summer Berry Spinach Salad will be both energizing and healthy! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing 4 cups of fresh spinach. Use cold water to clean the leaves well. After washing, dry the spinach using a salad spinner or paper towels. This step removes extra water and makes the salad crisp. Next, place the spinach in a large bowl. Now, it’s time to add those vibrant berries. Scatter 1 cup of mixed berries over the spinach. Use slices of strawberries, whole blueberries, and plump raspberries. This mix adds color and flavor. Now, let’s make this salad even better. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the berries. The feta gives a creamy touch that balances the sweet berries. Then add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. These almonds add a nice crunch. The mix of textures makes every bite exciting. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette and 1 tablespoon of honey. This dressing adds sweetness and tang. Whisk until it gets thick and smooth. A good dressing ties all the flavors together, so make sure to mix well. Gently drizzle the dressing over the salad. Aim for even coverage on all the greens and berries. Then, carefully toss the salad. Do this gently so the berries stay whole. Finally, taste the salad and add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. This simple step makes a big difference in flavor. Enjoy your delicious Summer Berry Spinach Salad! To serve this salad in style, use a large wooden bowl. This adds a rustic touch that feels warm and inviting. Garnish the top with a few whole berries and extra sliced almonds. This makes the salad look bright and colorful. It invites everyone to dig in. You can also use clear glass bowls to show off the vibrant colors. If you want to adjust the sweetness, add more honey to the dressing. For a bit more zing, you can add a splash of lemon juice. If the salad feels too tart, a pinch of sugar can balance the taste. You can also change the texture by adding crunchy toppings. Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different feel. Meal prep can save you time. You can wash and dry the spinach earlier in the day. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. You can also pre-slice the berries, but keep them separate. Mix the dressing ahead of time too. Store it in a small jar and shake it before use. This way, your salad is ready in minutes! Pro Tips Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest spinach and berries to ensure your salad is vibrant and packed with flavor. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor and crunch. Make-Ahead Dressing: Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette in advance and store it in the fridge for an easy, quick assembly later. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. {{image_4}} You can make your Summer Berry Spinach Salad even more exciting by adding seasonal fruits. Consider adding peaches or nectarines in late summer. Their sweet and juicy flavor pairs well with the berries. Apples in fall also add a crunchy texture. You can try different combinations to keep your salad fresh and fun. If you want to make this salad dairy-free, skip the feta cheese. You can add avocado for a creamy feel. For nut-free options, leave out the sliced almonds. Try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They add a nice crunch without nuts. Both options keep the salad tasty and safe for everyone. Changing the dressing can give this salad a new twist. Try a citrus vinaigrette with lemon and olive oil for a zesty kick. You can also use a creamy ranch or a spicy chipotle dressing for a bold flavor. Toppings like grilled chicken or quinoa can make it more filling. Experimenting with dressings and toppings keeps your salad interesting every time you make it. To keep your Summer Berry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to place it in the fridge right after serving. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps the greens crisp. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This will prevent the salad from getting soggy. This salad is best served cold. If you want to enjoy it later, do not heat it. Instead, just take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. This way, you can enjoy the fresh taste of the berries and the crunch of the almonds. The salad stays fresh for about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt, and the berries may lose their flavor. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss it out. Always check freshness before eating. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. To keep it fresh, store the spinach and berries separately. This keeps the spinach from wilting. You can prepare the dressing in advance too. Just mix the balsamic vinaigrette and honey. Combine everything just before serving for the best taste. You can add many fruits to this salad. Kiwi adds a fun twist. Sliced peaches or nectarines work well too. Even diced apples can add crunch. Just keep the mix colorful and fresh! Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe for those with gluten issues. Always check labels when buying dressings. Some may have gluten, so it’s good to be careful. Making your own balsamic vinaigrette is easy. Here’s a simple recipe: - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/2 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper together. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking until it’s smooth. This dressing is tasty on many salads! This blog post outlined a delightful salad made with fresh spinach, mixed berries, and feta cheese. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, dress, and serve this vibrant dish. Tips on presentation, flavor adjustments, and meal prep help enhance your experience. You can also explore variations to fit your dietary needs. Remember, this salad is easy to customize and store. It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to make it your own!

Summer Berry Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, mixed berries, 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, thoroughly washed and dried
  • 1 cup mixed berries (sliced strawberries, whole blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, paper-thin slices
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the fresh spinach in a large mixing bowl, using it as the flavorful base of your salad.
  • Evenly scatter the mixed berries over the spinach—arrange the sliced strawberries, whole blueberries, and plump raspberries in a colorful pattern.
  • Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the berries, adding a delightful creamy contrast.
  • Incorporate the sliced almonds into the salad for an irresistible crunchy texture that complements the soft berries.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette and honey until the mixture is well-emulsified and slightly thickened.
  • Gently drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over the salad, focusing on even coverage to enhance every bite.
  • Carefully toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, making sure to keep the berries intact for visual appeal.
  • Finally, season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; adjust the seasoning based on your preference.

Notes

Serve in a large wooden bowl and garnish with whole berries and sliced almonds.
Keyword berries, healthy, salad, spinach, summer