Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries

Introduction

Is there anything more refreshing than a crisp, colorful salad on a warm summer day? If you’re like me, you can never get enough of the fresh flavors that seasonal produce brings to the table. One salad I can’t stop making is a Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries. It’s everything you want in a salad: light, vibrant, and packed with natural sweetness from the berries, yet balanced with the earthiness of fresh spinach. I first discovered this salad at a local picnic, and it was love at first bite. The combination of the juicy strawberries, fresh spinach, and the tartness of the blueberries just works so well together.

This salad is my go-to for family gatherings and summer barbecues because it’s easy to prepare, and let’s face it, everyone loves a salad with fruit! The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light lunch, it fits right in. I’ve also made it a little heartier by adding nuts and a simple homemade dressing that takes it from basic to delicious in minutes.

The strawberries provide the perfect pop of sweetness, while the blueberries add a burst of color and antioxidants. The dressing, which is a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, ties everything together beautifully. And the crunch of toasted almonds or walnuts? Yes, please! Trust me, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your house.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a million reasons to love this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, but here are the highlights:

• Easy to make: This salad comes together in no time with just a handful of simple ingredients. No complicated steps here!
• Healthy & nutritious: Packed with vitamin-rich spinach, antioxidant-loaded berries, and a dose of healthy fats from nuts, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s great for a light lunch or as a side to any main dish.
• Refreshing and flavorful: The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and tangy blueberries is perfectly balanced with the richness of the balsamic vinaigrette. Every bite is a burst of freshness.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add more fruit, experiment with different nuts, or even toss in some feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or just a weeknight dinner, this salad fits the bill. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and people will keep coming back for more.

This salad is so versatile that it pairs well with almost anything—from grilled chicken to your favorite seafood. The freshness of the ingredients will never let you down.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries is a dream to prepare because it requires just a few basic ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds (or walnuts, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but adds a lovely creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Each ingredient in this salad plays a special role:

• Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins, spinach adds a light yet nutrient-dense base.
• Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they add natural sweetness to balance the savory and tart notes of the salad.
• Blueberries: They bring antioxidants and a pop of color.
• Toasted almonds: Crunchy and slightly sweet, they bring texture and a bit of nuttiness.
• Feta cheese (optional): Adds a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the fruit and the richness of the dressing.
• Honey and balsamic vinegar: This duo creates a tangy-sweet dressing that enhances all the salad’s flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries is simple, and even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a salad pro by the end of it. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your spinach. Fresh spinach is delicate, so be gentle when drying it. If you have a salad spinner, now is the time to use it. Otherwise, just pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. You want the spinach to be crisp and free from excess moisture.

Next, prepare your fruit: hull and slice the strawberries, and gently rinse the blueberries if they’re fresh. If you’re using frozen blueberries, no need to thaw them—just toss them straight into the salad for a chilled, refreshing bite.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

For that extra crunch and nutty flavor, toast your almonds. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Be careful not to burn them! Once golden and fragrant, remove them from the skillet and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The honey adds sweetness, while the balsamic vinegar brings acidity, and the Dijon mustard gives the dressing a nice kick. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified (smooth and combined).

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and blueberries. Add the toasted almonds and feta (if using), and then pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the salad is well coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is nicely tossed, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. You can garnish it with a few extra almonds or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it’s also great for prepping ahead for a picnic or meal prep.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries can be served as a light main dish or as a side salad to complement grilled meats or seafood. Here are a few ideas:

• As a main: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or even shrimp to turn it into a more substantial meal.
• With pasta: Serve alongside a creamy pasta dish or a fresh caprese salad.
• With a sandwich: It pairs beautifully with a turkey and avocado sandwich, or a crispy panini.
• As a side: Serve it with grilled steak or barbecue for a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory flavors.

Additional Tips

1. Prep ahead: If you’re making this salad for a party or picnic, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just store the spinach, berries, and nuts separately to keep them fresh, and toss everything together right before serving.
2. Use fresh, ripe fruit: For the best flavor, make sure your strawberries and blueberries are ripe and in season. They’ll bring more natural sweetness and juiciness to the salad.
3. Customize the nuts: If you don’t have almonds, walnuts, or pecans are excellent alternatives. Toast them for extra flavor.
4. Feta cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even ricotta would make great substitutions, adding their own creamy texture and tang.
5. Make it vegan: Skip the feta cheese and use a maple vinaigrette instead of honey in the dressing to make it fully vegan-friendly.

Recipe Variations

If you want to switch things up, here are some fun variations for your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries:

1. Berry Medley: Swap out the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries, or use a combination of different berries for a berry-packed salad.
2. Nuts & Seeds: Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy twist. They’re especially great for adding a healthy dose of zinc and magnesium.
3. Cheese Options: Swap the feta for a sharp blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Alternatively, try a creamy goat cheese or even a vegan feta if you’re avoiding dairy.
4. Add Avocado: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the berries and gives the salad a luxurious texture.
5. Add Grilled Vegetables: For a more substantial salad, add grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. A side of warm, crusty bread or a light soup would complement the freshness of the salad.
• Beverage Pairings: For a non-alcoholic option, pair it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade. If you’re enjoying a glass of wine, a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé is a perfect match.
• For kids: Serve this salad with a side of whole-grain crackers or soft dinner rolls to make it even more appealing for younger eaters.

Freezing and Storage

Although this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftovers for later:

• Storage: If you have leftover salad, store the spinach and fruit separately from the dressing and nuts in airtight containers. It will stay fresh for about a day, but the spinach will wilt if kept for too long.
• Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the salad because the fresh fruits and greens don’t hold up well in the freezer. However, you can freeze the dressing separately for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before using again.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets for this salad, but a few tools can make your life easier:

• Salad Spinner: If you’re washing spinach or other greens, a salad spinner is a great investment to get rid of excess water.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing strawberries and cutting other fruits and vegetables.
• Whisk: To help emulsify the dressing and get it smooth and well-blended.

FAQ Section

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time but keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
• Can I use frozen berries?
  Absolutely! Frozen berries work perfectly, and they’ll add a nice chill to the salad, especially on a hot day.
• What if I don’t like balsamic vinegar?
  You can swap it out for apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. If you prefer a milder dressing, try a lemon vinaigrette.
• Can I add protein to this salad?
  Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a boiled egg for extra protein.

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Conclusion

I hope you love this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries as much as I do! It’s fresh, simple, and so full of flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family picnic, bringing it to a BBQ, or simply making it for a light lunch, it’s sure to impress. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! If you make this salad, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your beautiful creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!