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Fresh Berry Burst Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

fresh berry burst spinach salad - featured image
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A fresh and indulgent spinach salad featuring a burst of sweet berries and a luscious creamy poppyseed dressing, perfect for quick, fuss-free meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (about 180 grams) fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup (75 grams) fresh raspberries
  • ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (9 grams) poppy seeds
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Chill in the fridge while preparing the salad.
  2. Wash and Dry the Spinach (5 minutes): Rinse 6 cups baby spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry gently with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Prep the Berries and Nuts (5-7 minutes): Hull and slice 1 cup fresh strawberries. Rinse 1 cup blueberries and ½ cup raspberries gently, then pat dry. Chop ½ cup pecans or walnuts roughly. Crumble ½ cup feta cheese if using.
  4. Toss the Salad (3 minutes): In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, then gently fold in the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add the nuts and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the chilled creamy poppyseed dressing over the salad.
  5. Mix Gently (1-2 minutes): Using salad tongs or clean hands, toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats the leaves and berries without bruising them.
  6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh to keep the berries from releasing too much juice and the spinach crisp. If holding for a short time, keep covered in the fridge and toss lightly before serving.

Notes

Use fresh berries for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain well. Handle berries gently to avoid bruising. Dress salad just before serving to prevent sogginess. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives and omit feta or use plant-based cheese. Nut-free option: omit nuts or replace with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach salad, berry salad, poppyseed dressing, fresh berries, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, creamy dressing, summer salad

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/fresh-berry-burst-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-poppyseed-dressing/