Looking for a vibrant, fresh salad that bursts with flavor? This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is your answer! With sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, and tangy feta cheese, each bite offers a perfect balance of tastes. Plus, it’s quick to make and ideal for any gathering. Read on to discover how to whip up this colorful dish and learn tips for making it your own!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 6 cups fresh baby spinach
– 1 cup strawberries
– 1 cup blueberries
– 1 cup raspberries
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup candied walnuts
– 1/4 red onion
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is fresh and bright. Each bite bursts with flavor. The base is made from six cups of fresh baby spinach. This gives a crisp, green foundation for the salad. I love using fresh spinach because it is full of nutrients.
Next, I add one cup each of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries bring color and sweetness. The strawberries should be hulled and sliced thin. The blueberries and raspberries need only a good rinse. They add juicy bites that balance the greens.
For a creamy touch, I sprinkle half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds a salty flavor that contrasts the sweet fruits. Then, I include half a cup of candied walnuts. They give a sweet crunch and make each bite exciting.
I slice a quarter of a red onion very thin. This adds a little sharpness to the mix. For the dressing, I whisk together a quarter cup of balsamic glaze and two tablespoons of olive oil. This dressing is sweet and tangy. It ties all the flavors together. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience. You can find the Full Recipe to prepare this delightful dish. Enjoy the process as you create something colorful and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
1. Start with 6 cups of fresh baby spinach. Wash it under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves well.
2. Take 1 cup of strawberries. Hull them to remove the green tops. Slice them thinly.
3. Rinse 1 cup of blueberries and 1 cup of raspberries under cool water. Drain them well.
Salad Assembly
1. In a large bowl, combine the dried spinach with the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
2. Gently toss the fruits with the spinach to mix them well.
3. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch. Then sprinkle in 1/2 cup of candied walnuts to add some crunch.
Dressing Preparation
1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Mix until you have a smooth dressing.
3. Drizzle this dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything well without bruising the berries.
You can find the detailed recipe here: [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
Serving Suggestions
For a stunning display, use a large, shallow platter. This lets all the colors pop. You can also serve in individual bowls for a more personal touch. To impress, top each bowl with a few whole berries. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze adds a nice finish.
Dressing Recommendations
I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It pairs perfectly with the berries and greens. You can also try avocado oil for a different taste. If you want a change, consider a honey mustard dressing or a citrus vinaigrette. These options add a refreshing twist to your salad.
Salad Handling
To keep your spinach fresh, wash it just before use. Pat the leaves dry to avoid wilting. Store the spinach in a container lined with paper towels. This helps absorb moisture and keeps it crisp. Keep the berries and other ingredients separate until assembly. This way, they stay fresh and delicious.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily change fruits in this salad. Instead of strawberries, try peaches or blackberries. These fruits add unique flavors that mix well with spinach. You can also switch the feta cheese for a dairy-free option like tofu or avocado. This keeps the salad creamy without using dairy.
Dressing Variations
Feel free to get creative with dressings. A creamy dressing like ranch or yogurt can add richness. For a fresh twist, try a citrus-based dressing. Lemon or orange juice mixed with olive oil brightens the flavors. You can also add herbs for extra zest.
Add-ins for Extra Nutrition
Boost the nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken makes the salad hearty. Chickpeas are a great plant-based option too. They add fiber and protein. You can throw in more nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, for a crunchy texture and healthy fats. These add-ins make your meal more filling and balanced.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To store leftovers of your Summer Berry Spinach Salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for about 1 to 2 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the dressing until you’re ready to eat. This way, the spinach stays crisp and the berries remain juicy. If you notice any wilting, remove those leaves before storing.
Meal Prep Tips
Prep ingredients in advance for easy assembly. Wash and dry the spinach, and store it in a separate container. Slice the strawberries and store them in a small bowl. Keep blueberries and raspberries in their original containers to avoid squishing them. For salads, use clear containers to show off the vibrant colors. This makes it easy to grab and go. You can layer the ingredients, with the spinach at the bottom and berries on top, to keep them fresh longer.
FAQs
How long can I store Summer Berry Spinach Salad?
You can store this salad for up to two days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. To keep the spinach fresh, store the dressing separately. Add the dressing just before serving. This helps avoid soggy leaves.
Can I use frozen berries in this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen berries. They are a great option, especially in winter. Just thaw them and drain excess water. This keeps your salad from getting watery. Fresh berries taste best, but frozen ones work well too.
What can I replace feta cheese with?
If you want a dairy-free option, try using avocado or chickpeas. Both add creaminess and flavor. You can also use goat cheese or mozzarella for different tastes. Each option gives a unique twist to your salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in Summer Berry Spinach Salad are gluten-free. This makes it safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels on your ingredients to ensure safety. Enjoy this fresh dish worry-free!
This blog post covers a fresh and tasty Summer Berry Spinach Salad. We discussed the key ingredients, easy steps for preparation, and tips for serving. You can swap fruits and dressings to fit your taste. Always focus on freshness to keep your salad vibrant. With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy, colorful dish anytime. Try making this salad for quick meals or special occasions. You’ll impress everyone with its flavor and nutrition. Enjoy your cooking journey with this salad!
![- 6 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup strawberries - 1 cup blueberries - 1 cup raspberries - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/2 cup candied walnuts - 1/4 red onion - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is fresh and bright. Each bite bursts with flavor. The base is made from six cups of fresh baby spinach. This gives a crisp, green foundation for the salad. I love using fresh spinach because it is full of nutrients. Next, I add one cup each of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These berries bring color and sweetness. The strawberries should be hulled and sliced thin. The blueberries and raspberries need only a good rinse. They add juicy bites that balance the greens. For a creamy touch, I sprinkle half a cup of crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds a salty flavor that contrasts the sweet fruits. Then, I include half a cup of candied walnuts. They give a sweet crunch and make each bite exciting. I slice a quarter of a red onion very thin. This adds a little sharpness to the mix. For the dressing, I whisk together a quarter cup of balsamic glaze and two tablespoons of olive oil. This dressing is sweet and tangy. It ties all the flavors together. I season it with salt and pepper to taste. This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience. You can find the Full Recipe to prepare this delightful dish. Enjoy the process as you create something colorful and tasty! 1. Start with 6 cups of fresh baby spinach. Wash it under cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves well. 2. Take 1 cup of strawberries. Hull them to remove the green tops. Slice them thinly. 3. Rinse 1 cup of blueberries and 1 cup of raspberries under cool water. Drain them well. 1. In a large bowl, combine the dried spinach with the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. 2. Gently toss the fruits with the spinach to mix them well. 3. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch. Then sprinkle in 1/2 cup of candied walnuts to add some crunch. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 2. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Mix until you have a smooth dressing. 3. Drizzle this dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything well without bruising the berries. You can find the detailed recipe here: [Full Recipe]. For a stunning display, use a large, shallow platter. This lets all the colors pop. You can also serve in individual bowls for a more personal touch. To impress, top each bowl with a few whole berries. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze adds a nice finish. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It pairs perfectly with the berries and greens. You can also try avocado oil for a different taste. If you want a change, consider a honey mustard dressing or a citrus vinaigrette. These options add a refreshing twist to your salad. To keep your spinach fresh, wash it just before use. Pat the leaves dry to avoid wilting. Store the spinach in a container lined with paper towels. This helps absorb moisture and keeps it crisp. Keep the berries and other ingredients separate until assembly. This way, they stay fresh and delicious. {{image_4}} You can easily change fruits in this salad. Instead of strawberries, try peaches or blackberries. These fruits add unique flavors that mix well with spinach. You can also switch the feta cheese for a dairy-free option like tofu or avocado. This keeps the salad creamy without using dairy. Feel free to get creative with dressings. A creamy dressing like ranch or yogurt can add richness. For a fresh twist, try a citrus-based dressing. Lemon or orange juice mixed with olive oil brightens the flavors. You can also add herbs for extra zest. Boost the nutrition by adding protein. Grilled chicken makes the salad hearty. Chickpeas are a great plant-based option too. They add fiber and protein. You can throw in more nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, for a crunchy texture and healthy fats. These add-ins make your meal more filling and balanced. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers of your Summer Berry Spinach Salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for about 1 to 2 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to eat. This way, the spinach stays crisp and the berries remain juicy. If you notice any wilting, remove those leaves before storing. Prep ingredients in advance for easy assembly. Wash and dry the spinach, and store it in a separate container. Slice the strawberries and store them in a small bowl. Keep blueberries and raspberries in their original containers to avoid squishing them. For salads, use clear containers to show off the vibrant colors. This makes it easy to grab and go. You can layer the ingredients, with the spinach at the bottom and berries on top, to keep them fresh longer. You can store this salad for up to two days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. To keep the spinach fresh, store the dressing separately. Add the dressing just before serving. This helps avoid soggy leaves. Yes, you can use frozen berries. They are a great option, especially in winter. Just thaw them and drain excess water. This keeps your salad from getting watery. Fresh berries taste best, but frozen ones work well too. If you want a dairy-free option, try using avocado or chickpeas. Both add creaminess and flavor. You can also use goat cheese or mozzarella for different tastes. Each option gives a unique twist to your salad. Absolutely! All the ingredients in Summer Berry Spinach Salad are gluten-free. This makes it safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels on your ingredients to ensure safety. Enjoy this fresh dish worry-free! This blog post covers a fresh and tasty Summer Berry Spinach Salad. We discussed the key ingredients, easy steps for preparation, and tips for serving. You can swap fruits and dressings to fit your taste. Always focus on freshness to keep your salad vibrant. With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy, colorful dish anytime. Try making this salad for quick meals or special occasions. You'll impress everyone with its flavor and nutrition. Enjoy your cooking journey with this salad!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/08692963-e965-41d6-a37f-e1f2163aeab1-250x250.webp)