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Berry Spinach Salad

Berry Spinach Salad
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Berry Spinach Salad is a fresh and vibrant summer dish that combines tender spinach with a mix of sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, topped with creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and thinly sliced red onions, all brought together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a nutrient-packed, quick, and visually stunning salad perfect for light meals or colorful sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), rinsed and sliced as needed

Toppings

  • 1/3 cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spinach: Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach and dry it completely using a salad spinner or paper towels to ensure no water dilutes the dressing.
  2. Wash and slice the berries: Gently rinse your mixed berries under cold water and pat dry. Slice strawberries into halves or quarters for easy eating and a festive presentation.
  3. Prepare additional ingredients: Thinly slice the red onion and toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, taking care not to burn them, to enhance their crunch and flavor.
  4. Make the dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified. Taste and adjust the balance if needed.
  5. Assemble and toss: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, berries, toasted nuts, and sliced red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, add the crumbled goat cheese, and gently toss everything together to coat evenly while maintaining the integrity of the ingredients.

Notes

  • Use the freshest spinach and berries available for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Dry greens thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Toast nuts carefully to bring out natural oils and enhance taste.
  • Add dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
  • If you prefer softer greens, allow the dressed salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving, but not longer to avoid wilting.
  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator with dressing kept separate; consume within two days.
  • This salad is best served fresh; freezing is not recommended due to loss of texture.
  • To make vegan, omit cheese or substitute with plant-based cheese and ensure vegan-friendly dressing ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: Berry Spinach Salad, summer salad, fresh spinach salad, berry salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/berry-spinach-salad/