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Berry Spinach Salad

Berry Spinach Salad
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Berry Spinach Salad is a refreshing, vibrant summer dish combining sweet mixed berries, tender baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. This nutrient-packed salad is easy to prepare, customizable to dietary preferences, and perfect for light lunches, side dishes, or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or mint leaves (optional)

Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the baby spinach thoroughly to remove any grit, then dry completely using a salad spinner or paper towels to ensure the dressing sticks well without watering down the salad.
  2. Clean and Slice Berries: Rinse the mixed berries gently under cold water. Slice larger strawberries into bite-sized pieces while leaving blueberries and raspberries whole to maintain their juicy texture.
  3. Prepare Additional Ingredients: Thinly slice the red onion and crumble the feta cheese. Lightly toast the almonds or walnuts in a dry pan to enhance flavor and crunch if using.
  4. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to balance the sweetness and acidity according to taste.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach, mixed berries, sliced red onion, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients without bruising.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Add fresh basil or mint leaves on top for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use fresh, in-season berries for the best flavor and texture.
  • Dry the spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy salad.
  • Lightly toast nuts to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
  • Add dressing just before serving to maintain salad crispness.
  • Adjust vinaigrette sweetness and acidity based on the berries used for better flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry spinach salad, summer salad, mixed berry salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/berry-spinach-salad/