Berry Spinach Salad

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Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Berry Spinach Salad is the perfect dish to celebrate the seasons. Whether you’re planning a sunny brunch, a light dinner, or looking for something refreshing to bring to a potluck, this salad delivers both beauty and bold taste in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that makes eating greens feel indulgent.

The mix of sweet berries, creamy feta, crisp red onions, and crunchy pecans over a bed of baby spinach, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, hits every flavor note. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and customizable depending on the berries you have on hand.

What Kind of Spinach and Berries Should I Use?

Baby spinach is best for this salad because of its tender texture and mild flavor. As for berries, go with what’s fresh and in season! A combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offers a lovely contrast of colors and sweetness, but blackberries or even pomegranate seeds can be excellent alternatives.

Ingredients for the Berry Spinach Salad

• 6 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped candied pecans (or regular toasted pecans)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

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How To Make the Berry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Wash and dry the baby spinach and berries thoroughly. Slice the strawberries and red onion thinly. If using whole pecans, give them a rough chop.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl or serving platter, layer the baby spinach as your base. Scatter the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and red onion evenly across the greens.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the feta cheese and candied pecans over the top. These bring richness and crunch that balance the sweet and tangy elements beautifully.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately to maintain the texture and freshness.

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Serving and Storing the Berry Spinach Salad

This salad is best served fresh, right after adding the dressing. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, but the spinach may wilt slightly after sitting in the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply swap out the feta for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. Make sure your vinaigrette is vegan too.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great protein additions without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

What’s a good substitute for candied pecans?

Toasted walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch if pecans aren’t available.

Is there a homemade dressing you recommend?

A simple balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar works perfectly.

Can I use frozen berries?

It’s not recommended, as they tend to release water and become mushy. Fresh berries yield the best results.

What if I don’t have red onions?

Try thinly sliced shallots or skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.

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Want More Salad Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you loved this Berry Spinach Salad, you might want to try these other fresh creations:

• Broccoli Salad for a crunchy, tangy side dish.
• Blueberry Peach Feta Salad with sweet stone fruit vibes.
• Fresh Pickled Cucumber Salad for a refreshing, briny twist.
• Cottage Cheese Egg Bake as a protein-packed pairing.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a sweet brunch complement.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this salad to your Pinterest board for summer or brunch ideas.

And drop a comment to share how you customized it. Did you swap in goat cheese? Try a strawberry poppyseed dressing? Let’s swap notes!

I love seeing how others enjoy these dishes in their own way. Tag me or ask questions anytime—we’re all learning together.

More fresh dishes shared daily over on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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