Delicious Berry Spinach Salad

The Story Behind the Recipe 🌿

Delicious Berry Spinach Salad-It all started on a warm Sunday morning at our local farmer’s market. I remember walking past rows of colorful fruits when the scent of fresh strawberries hit me. Right next to them were baskets of plump blueberries and baby spinach leaves so green they looked like spring itself.

I grabbed a basket of each, not knowing exactly what I’d make. Back home, as I rinsed the berries and tossed them with the spinach, an idea took shape — a light, vibrant salad bursting with color and life. I added a handful of feta, some crunchy pecans, and drizzled on a tangy homemade vinaigrette.

The first bite stopped me in my tracks — sweet, tart, nutty, and fresh all at once. The kind of salad that makes you close your eyes and smile.

Now, this Berry Spinach Salad is a staple in our kitchen. It’s our go-to for picnics, light lunches, or even when I just want something that feels as beautiful as it tastes. 🌸

It reminds me that simple ingredients can create something truly special — a little celebration of nature’s sweetness in every bowl.

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What Makes This Recipe Special 💖

This isn’t just another salad — it’s sunshine in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• 🫐 Fresh & Fruity: Juicy berries add bursts of sweetness to every bite.
• 🌿 Wholesome Goodness: Spinach is packed with iron, fiber, and vitamins.
• 🧀 Perfect Balance: Creamy feta and crunchy nuts create the perfect contrast.
• 🕒 Quick & Easy: Takes less than 15 minutes to put together!
• 🌈 Beautiful & Bright: A showstopper for brunches, BBQs, or any table.

It’s a feel-good dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious — pure, fresh happiness in a bowl.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🌿 For the Salad

• 5 cups baby spinach (washed and dried)
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup raspberries (optional but amazing!)
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for creaminess)
• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or sunflower seeds (optional)

🍋 For the Dressing (Homemade Vinaigrette)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt & black pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and dry all your spinach and berries gently. Slice the strawberries and red onions thinly. Toast your pecans or walnuts lightly in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake it well until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, layer the baby spinach at the bottom. Add your strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and sliced onions. Sprinkle over the crumbled feta and toasted nuts.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything so the dressing coats every leaf and berry.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately while the greens are crisp and the berries are bright. Each bite should feel like a little celebration of flavor!

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍽️

This salad is wonderfully versatile — light enough for a side dish, hearty enough for a full meal. Here are some pairing ideas:

• 🍗 Grilled Chicken or Salmon: Adds protein for a balanced lunch.
• 🥖 Crusty Garlic Bread: Soaks up any extra vinaigrette beautifully.
• 🍲 Soup Sidekick: Try it with tomato basil or creamy mushroom soup.
• 🧀 Cheese Board: Serve alongside brie, goat cheese, and crackers for brunch.
• 🍷 Drink Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with white wine, lemonade, or sparkling water with berries.

Pro Tip: For picnics, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve — it keeps the salad fresh and crisp!

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Customization & Variations 🍓

This recipe is easy to tweak based on your mood, season, or what’s in your fridge!

• 🥬 Greens Swap: Use arugula, kale, or mixed greens instead of spinach.
• 🍯 Sweeter Dressing: Add a little more honey or even a splash of orange juice.
• 🧀 Different Cheese: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan.
• 🥜 Nut-Free Option: Use pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• 🥭 Add More Fruit: Add sliced apples, mango, or dried cranberries.
• 🌱 Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative and maple syrup instead of honey.
• 🍗 Make It a Meal: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

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Storing & Reheating 🥣

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep Dressing Separate: Add the vinaigrette right before serving to prevent sogginess.
• No Reheating Needed: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Pro Tip: If prepping ahead, layer ingredients — spinach at the bottom, berries and cheese in the middle, nuts on top. Add dressing when ready to serve!

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 11g

Light, nutrient-packed, and full of antioxidants — this salad is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. 🌿💪

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before adding.

2. What other greens can I use?
Arugula, baby kale, or spring mix all work beautifully.

3. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes! Choose a light balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette.

4. How can I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa for extra protein.

5. Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes — just store the dressing separately until serving.

6. How long does the dressing last?
Homemade vinaigrette lasts up to 1 week in the fridge.

7. What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even mozzarella pearls!

8. Is this salad kid-friendly?
Absolutely — kids love the berries’ sweetness. You can skip onions if preferred.

9. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup in the dressing and skip the cheese or use vegan feta.

10. How can I add crunch without nuts?
Use roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds, or crispy croutons.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

This Delicious Berry Spinach Salad is more than just a salad — it’s a reminder that healthy eating can be vibrant, joyful, and full of life. 🥰

It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, soft and crunchy, light yet satisfying. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something colorful, this salad will brighten your table and your day.

It’s a bowl of goodness that makes you feel refreshed, nourished, and happy — and isn’t that exactly what good food should do? 💕

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

If you made this Delicious Berry Spinach Salad, I’d love to hear from you!

📸 Snap a photo and tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen on Pinterest so I can see your colorful creation and share it with our lovely food community!

Did you try it with feta, goat cheese, or your own twist? I’d love to know!

Until next time, keep your kitchen full of color, your plates full of freshness, and your heart full of flavor. 🌈💚