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Spinach Salad with Berries

Spinach Salad with Berries
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This Spinach Salad with Berries is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for warm sunny days. Combining tender baby spinach leaves with a burst of juicy mixed berries, creamy feta cheese, toasted nuts, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette, it balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Quick and easy to prepare, this nutritious salad is ideal as a light lunch, elegant side dish, or picnic staple during summer.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), rinsed and sliced as needed
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mint or basil), optional

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey, optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash fresh baby spinach leaves thoroughly and dry them completely to keep the salad crisp and prevent dilution of the dressing.
  2. Clean and Slice the Berries: Rinse the mixed berries gently under cold water, pat dry, and slice larger berries like strawberries into halves or quarters for a balanced bite.
  3. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your choice of nuts for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  4. Assemble the Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, mixed berries, toasted nuts, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Add fresh herbs if using.
  5. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate spinach and berries.

Notes

  • Use baby spinach for a tender, less bitter base suitable for fresh salads.
  • Dry spinach and berries thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad and watered-down dressing.
  • Toast nuts lightly and watch closely to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Add dressing at the last minute just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
  • For tart berries, add a small drizzle of honey to the vinaigrette to balance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach salad, berry salad, summer salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, fresh salad, easy salad, balsamic vinaigrette

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/spinach-salad-with-berries/