Description

This Spinach Salad with Berries is a vibrant, delicious, and nutritious salad combining fresh baby spinach with sweet mixed berries, crumbled feta, toasted nuts, and red onion, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, side salad, or appetizer, it offers a refreshing balance of flavors, colors, and textures, and is quick and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Greens

4 cups baby spinach, washed and dried

Fruits

1 cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), rinsed and dried

Cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Nuts

1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Vegetables

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach: Thoroughly wash and dry 4 cups of baby spinach leaves. Removing excess water ensures the salad stays crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
Prepare the Berries and Veggies: Rinse fresh mixed berries gently and pat them dry. Slice larger berries like strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion for a mild, noticeable bite.
Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet, lightly toast 1/3 cup of pecans or walnuts over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, prepared berries, red onion slices, and toasted nuts. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly on top.
Dress and Toss: Drizzle 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate berries. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe berries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
Dry all ingredients thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad and diluted dressing.
Toast nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Add dressing last and toss gently to preserve the texture of berries and spinach.
Serve immediately for optimal taste and crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg