When it comes to summer salads, nothing quite beats the combination of fresh spinach, juicy berries, and a tangy-sweet dressing. This Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
1. Spinach Berry Salad With Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 6 ounces blueberries
- 6 ounces raspberries
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (use less if preferred)
- 1 cup sliced or slivered almonds
For the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1 cup oil (vegetable or light olive oil)
- 1/3 cup vinegar (white, apple cider, or raspberry)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Start by preparing the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, dried mustard, and salt until well combined and the sugar has dissolved. You can also use a blender or food processor for a smoother consistency. Once mixed, set the dressing aside.
Wash the baby spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
Rinse all the berries gently under cool water and pat them dry. Slice the strawberries, and add them to the bowl along with the blueberries and raspberries.
Thinly slice the red onion. Add as much as you prefer to the salad bowl, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.
Crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
Add the sliced or slivered almonds to the bowl.
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the desired amount of Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing over the salad. Start with less than you think you’ll need – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added.
Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the dressing.
Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing!
Tips For the Perfect Salad
- If you’re preparing this salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- For added protein, consider including grilled chicken breast or cooked quinoa.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of berries or nuts based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
- The dressing recipe makes more than you’ll likely need for one salad. Store extra dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner side, or as a colorful addition to your next potluck or barbecue. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet while enjoying a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
So the next time you’re looking for a salad that’s anything but boring, give this Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
