Looking for a fresh, colorful dish that brings together sweet berries, creamy feta, and nutty pecans? This Berry Spinach Salad Recipe is a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures, united by a sweet-tangy honey balsamic dressing. It’s the salad you’ll crave for sunny picnics, quick lunches, or whenever you need a burst of feel-good freshness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: Every bite brings together sweet, tart, and savory flavors in an irresistible way.
- Super Nourishing: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein – it ticks all the boxes for a feel-good meal or side.
- Gorgeous & Colorful: The brilliant berries and leafy spinach make this salad as pretty on the table as it is on your fork.
- Quick & Effortless: You’re just 15 minutes away from a show-stopping salad everyone will rave about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you love when simple ingredients add up to something extraordinary? Each item in this Berry Spinach Salad Recipe plays a special part—bringing color, flavor, texture, or a touch of surprise to every forkful.
- Spinach: Tender baby spinach offers a mild, slightly earthy base that lets the berries and feta shine.
- Fresh blueberries: These juicy little bursts add sweet-tart flavor and an antioxidant boost.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced strawberries bring extra sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Pecans: Toasted until golden, they give the salad a crave-worthy crunch and buttery richness.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty feta balances the berries and makes every bite feel special.
- Olive oil: The heart-healthy foundation of your vinaigrette, giving it body and silkiness.
- Honey balsamic vinegar: Sweet, tangy, and deep, this is the secret ingredient that carries the dressing.
- Garlic clove: Adds a mellow, savory punch that rounds out the dressing perfectly.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Berry Spinach Salad Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to swap out ingredients, adjust the flavors, or keep things dairy-free or nut-free, the options are endless.
- Swap the nuts: Use toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a twist on crunch and flavor.
- Try different berries: Raspberries and blackberries are beautiful in the mix—or use whatever’s in season.
- Dairy-free option: Omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese for a vegan-friendly salad.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, salmon, or even chickpeas turn this salad into a hearty main course.
- Toss in avocado: Creamy avocado slices give extra richness—plus, who can resist avocado?
How to Make Berry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Set a small skillet over medium-low heat and add your pecans. Stir often as they gently warm—this brings out their rich, nutty flavor and makes them extra crispy! As soon as they smell fragrant and turn golden, take them off the heat and let them cool. Don’t skip this step; toasted pecans make all the difference!
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, add your fresh spinach leaves, juicy blueberries, and sliced strawberries. Sprinkle in the cooled, toasted pecans and crumble the feta cheese over the top. The colors alone here will make you smile—it’s salad art!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, honey balsamic vinegar, and finely minced garlic until well combined. Taste and adjust if you like, but this dressing is truly magic for tying every flavor together in the Berry Spinach Salad Recipe.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the vibrant dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently—so every leaf gets a glossy coat and the toppings are evenly distributed—then serve immediately for the freshest crunch and burst of flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Berry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Pick Plump, Fresh Berries: For the sweetest and juiciest flavor, always select berries that are bright, firm, and fully ripe.
- Cool Your Pecans Completely: Letting those toasted pecans cool before tossing prevents wilting the spinach and keeps everything crisp.
- Dress Right Before Serving: To keep the greens perky and prevent sogginess, toss the salad in dressing only when you’re ready to eat.
- Slice Strawberries Thinly: Thin, even slices help every bite pop with berry flavor and make the presentation gorgeous, too.
How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra layer of flair, try a sprinkle of additional feta, a handful of microgreens, or a little zest of fresh lemon over the top. Toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds can add even more crunch and visual interest to your Berry Spinach Salad Recipe.
Side Dishes
This bright salad pairs divinely with grilled chicken, salmon, or a simple lemony pasta. It’s perfection alongside a soup like spring pea or tomato basil, and works as a show-stopping side at brunch, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Berry Spinach Salad Recipe on a long platter for a buffet, layer ingredients in a trifle bowl for a stunning effect, or portion into individual mason jars for picnics and meal prep. Edible flowers make a beautiful, festive touch for special occasions, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. The spinach and berries will keep nicely for 1–2 days, but for maximum freshness, wait to add the dressing until just before eating.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The spinach and berries are too delicate and will become mushy upon thawing. If you’d like to prep ahead, try toasting the nuts and preparing the dressing in advance—they freeze beautifully!
Reheating
Since the Berry Spinach Salad Recipe is served fresh and cold, there’s no reheating required. Just give the chilled dressing a quick whisk (or shake) and toss with the salad ingredients when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen berries in this salad?
Fresh berries are best for keeping the salad crisp and vibrant, but if you only have frozen, let them thaw and drain thoroughly before adding—they may release more juice and make the salad a bit softer.
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What type of spinach works best?
Baby spinach is preferred for its tender leaves and mild flavor. Mature spinach can be used if the stems are trimmed, but the texture will be slightly heartier.
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Can I prepare the Berry Spinach Salad Recipe in advance?
You can prep the components ahead—wash and dry the spinach and berries, toast the nuts, and make the dressing—but keep everything separate until ready to serve for the best texture.
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What can I substitute for honey balsamic vinegar?
If you can’t find honey balsamic vinegar, mix regular balsamic vinegar with a teaspoon of honey for a similar sweet-tart effect in the dressing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something simple yet show-stopping, this Berry Spinach Salad Recipe is truly irresistible. I hope you give it a try—the vibrant colors, juicy berries, and sweet-savory magic have a way of brightening up any table and putting a smile on everyone’s face!
Print
Berry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Berry Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Spinach:
- 6 cups spinach
Blueberries:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Strawberries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
Pecans:
- 1/2 cup pecans
Feta Cheese:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: In a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pecans until golden and fragrant. Set them aside to cool at room temperature.
- Prepare Salad: Place the spinach, blueberries, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with balsamic vinegar and minced garlic.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the salad in the dressing until well coated and serve immediately!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 249 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 252mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
