Fresh Summer Berry Spinach Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Fresh Summer Berry Spinach Salad combines vibrant berries, tender spinach, and tangy goat cheese for a light and refreshing meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a colorful side dish at your next gathering.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of bright green spinach leaves covering the bowl evenly. On top, there is a colorful mix of halved red strawberries, whole red raspberries, dark purple blackberries, and round blue blueberries spread across. Scattered throughout are small chunks of light brown walnuts adding texture. A silver spoon is slightly dipped into the bowl, held by a woman's hand on the right side. The colors are vibrant and the textures look fresh and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, halved
  • ½ cup raspberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp fresh raspberries or preserves
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the spinach by washing and drying it thoroughly. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
  2. Step 2: Slice the strawberries in halves or quarters, leaving the raspberries and blueberries whole.
  3. Step 3: Thinly slice the red onion. For milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  4. Step 4: Toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
  5. Step 5: Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the fresh raspberries or preserves, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the salad by layering the spinach, berries, sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately for the freshest taste or present as a composed salad with toppings arranged on top.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or mint to add a bright herbal note.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit the goat cheese or replace with avocado slices.
  • If fresh raspberries are unavailable, use raspberry jam diluted with a little vinegar for the dressing.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately to keep them fresh longer; spinach and berries in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette in a sealed jar refrigerated for up to 5 days. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves as the base layer. On top of the spinach, there is a colorful mix of bright red raspberries, deep blue blueberries, dark purple blackberries, and sliced red strawberries, all spread evenly. Scattered throughout are small clusters of light brown walnuts adding texture. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to keep the spinach, berries, and dressing separate and combine them right before serving to avoid sogginess.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives, or omit cheese altogether for a vegan version.

Print

Fresh Summer Berry Spinach Salad Recipe

This Fresh Summer Berry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather. It combines tender baby spinach with a medley of sweet strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, complemented by tangy goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and a zesty homemade raspberry vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a colorful side dish.

  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, halved
  • ½ cup raspberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

Vinaigrette

  • 3 tbsp fresh raspberries or preserves
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spinach: Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly and place it in a large salad bowl to create the salad base.
  2. Prepare the berries: Slice the strawberries in halves or quarters as preferred, leaving the raspberries and blueberries whole for visual appeal and texture.
  3. Prepare the onions: Thinly slice the red onion. Optionally, soak the onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness before adding to the salad.
  4. Toast the pecans: Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad to maintain their crispness.
  5. Make the vinaigrette: In a bowl or blender, combine fresh raspberries or preserves, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Blend or whisk together, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to blend or whisk until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
  6. Assemble the salad: Layer the baby spinach, followed by the mixed berries, thinly sliced red onions, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans evenly over the top.
  7. Dress the salad: Drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients without bruising the berries.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh for optimum texture and flavor, either as a composed salad or mixed prior to serving.

Notes

  • To reduce the sharpness of red onions, soak them in cold water for 5 minutes before using.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • Use fresh or frozen berries as available; thaw frozen berries before adding.
  • Adjust sweetness of vinaigrette by varying honey or maple syrup amount.
  • This salad is best served immediately to preserve the freshness of the berries and spinach.

Keywords: summer salad, spinach salad, berry salad, fresh berry vinaigrette, goat cheese salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe

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