![To make a bright and tasty Fresh Berry Spinach Salad, gather these ingredients: - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These fresh ingredients create a colorful and delicious salad that is both healthy and satisfying. You can add more flavor and texture with these options: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Avocado slices for creaminess - Sunflower seeds for crunch - Fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra flavor Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to suit your taste. Each choice brings a unique twist to the salad. This salad is not just tasty; it is also packed with nutrients. Here is what you get per serving: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 6g - Carbohydrates: 22g - Fiber: 5g - Sugars: 10g - Fat: 14g With its mix of fruits and veggies, this salad supports your health in many ways. It's a great option for lunch or a light dinner. If you want the full recipe, be sure to check out the details. Start by washing and drying 4 cups of fresh baby spinach. This is your base for the salad. Next, prepare 1 cup of mixed fresh berries. For strawberries, remove their green tops and cut them in halves or quarters. Blueberries and raspberries can go in whole. In a large salad bowl, place the fresh spinach at the bottom. Evenly spread the mixed berries over the spinach. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch. Then, toss in 1/4 cup of sliced almonds and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. These add crunch and flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle this dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to mix without bruising the spinach. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the provided link. When you choose fresh produce, look for bright colors. Spinach should be vibrant green. It should feel crisp and not limp. For berries, pick ones that are plump and firm. Check for any mushy spots or mold. Avoid these berries, as they can spoil quickly. Always wash your produce right before you use it to get rid of dirt and chemicals. This salad shines as a light lunch or side dish. You can also serve it as a starter at dinner. To make it a full meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. Pair it with crusty bread or a warm soup. For drinks, consider a light white wine or sparkling water. Both complement the salad's flavors well. When tossing your salad, be gentle. Use your hands or two large spoons. Start by mixing the spinach with the berries and cheese. Add the dressing slowly so you don’t drown the salad. Toss just until everything is coated. This keeps the spinach leaves from bruising and wilting. Serve immediately for the best taste. You want fresh and crunchy textures. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change the dressing to match your taste. Try a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty twist. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Another option is a yogurt-based dressing. Blend plain yogurt with garlic and herbs for a creamy touch. Each dressing brings a new flavor to the salad. While mixed berries are great, you can swap them out. Use sliced peaches or nectarines in summer. These fruits add sweetness and juiciness. In the fall, consider adding chopped apples or pears. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also mix in grapes for a fun twist. To make this salad heartier, add some protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. They add good texture and protein. Another idea is to sprinkle in some nuts or seeds, like walnuts or pumpkin seeds. These add a nice crunch and healthy fats. If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Use the leftover salad within one day for the best taste. The spinach wilts quickly, especially with dressing. If you want to save it for later, store the dressing separately. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing will change the texture of the spinach and berries. They will become mushy when thawed. If you have extra berries, you can freeze them for smoothies or baking later on. Just wash, dry, and place them in a freezer bag. Fresh spinach stays good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Berries last about 3 to 7 days, depending on their type. Check your berries for mold or softness. If they look bad, toss them. Always eat the salad as fresh as possible for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, I suggest you keep the dressing separate. If you mix the salad too early, the spinach can get soggy. Prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just dress the salad right before you serve it. This keeps everything fresh and crisp. You can get creative with this salad! Try using peaches, apples, or even kiwi. Each fruit adds a new flavor and texture to the dish. You can also mix in some citrus like orange or grapefruit for a zesty kick. Just remember to keep the balance of sweet and tart. Making the dressing vegan is simple. You can swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness without honey. The rest of the dressing ingredients are already vegan-friendly. Just whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and your sweetener together. This keeps your salad light and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious salad. I shared a list of fresh ingredients and optional add-ins to enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, combining, and dressing your salad. I also shared tips for selecting fresh produce and suggestions for serving. We explored variations, including different dressings and proteins. Finally, I provided storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Salads can be fun and simple. With these tips, enjoy your healthy meals all week.](https://recipesinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/70802fa8-bf93-427f-b1a6-377b8855e501-250x250.webp)
Fresh Berry Spinach Salad
Elevate your meal with this fresh berry spinach salad! Packed with vibrant berries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, this salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect as a healthy lunch or a stunning side dish, this recipe is quick to prepare in just 15 minutes. Click through to explore the step-by-step process and impress your guests with this nutritious and delicious salad that everyone will love!