Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing! It’s a vibrant rainbow of fresh berries and tender greens, all tossed together with creamy feta and crunchy almonds, then tied together by a dreamy dressing that tastes like sunshine in a jar. This dish is everything a salad should be: bursting with color, packed with flavor, and so easy to make that you’ll find yourself coming back to it all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this salad is how each ingredient brings its own personality to the party—sweet, juicy berries; hearty spinach; that irresistible salty pop from feta; and a dressing that’s pure liquid gold. You won’t believe how effortless it is to put together such a showstopper!
- Baby Spinach Leaves: These offer a mild flavor and tender texture that let the berries and dressing shine.
- Strawberries (sliced): For sweet-tart juiciness—look for the ripest, reddest berries you can find.
- Blueberries: A burst of blue color and a little pop in every bite makes the salad extra fun.
- Raspberries: These delicate jewels crumble beautifully into the mix and boost the berry richness.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty crumbles that balance the sweetness of the fruit for a flavor explosion.
- Red Onion (thinly sliced): A little goes a long way—its sharpness is the perfect contrast to the sweet dressing.
- Sliced or Slivered Almonds: These bring buttery crunch and nutty flavor; toasting them first is a tasty bonus.
- Oil: A neutral oil like canola keeps the dressing light, but even olive oil works in a pinch.
- Vinegar (white, apple cider, or raspberry): Use your favorite; each style adds its own unique tangy note.
- Sugar: Just the right amount for that signature sweet poppy seed dressing finish.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add character and a delightful crunch.
- Dried Mustard: Gives the dressing gentle heat and depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Essential to wake up all the flavors and keep the salad from tasting flat.
How to Make Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Step 1: Make the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Grab a small bowl or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, and combine your oil, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, dried mustard, and salt. Shake it up until fully blended and the sugar looks dissolved. Pop it in the fridge while you assemble the rest of your salad, so those flavors can mingle and turn into something truly delicious.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Start with your biggest, prettiest bowl and lay down a generous bed of baby spinach. The leaves should look perky and fresh—this is the canvas for all the gorgeous toppings that are coming next! The spinach provides that gentle green earthiness, which makes the berries and cheese taste even sweeter and brighter.
Step 3: Add the Berries, Feta, Onion, and Almonds
Now comes the fun part! Top your greens with neatly sliced strawberries, whole blueberries, and raspberries, distributing them so every serving gets a bit of each. Sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese, followed by thin slices of red onion. Finish with sliced or slivered almonds for that precious crunch—feel free to toast them lightly for even more flavor!
Step 4: Drizzle with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Take your chilled Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing and drizzle it evenly over the entire bowl. Use tongs to gently toss everything right before serving, or leave it “composed” if you want maximum wow factor when it hits the table.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This salad is at its absolute best the moment after you dress it, when the spinach is still crisp and the berries and cheese are gleaming. Grab your plates—no one will want to wait to dig in!
How to Serve Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Garnishes
Take your salad to the next level with a shower of extra feta, a few extra berries, or a sprinkle of fresh mint atop each serving. Garnishes not only add a fancy touch, but they give guests a clue about all the delicious flavors inside. The more colorful the plate, the more appetizing the salad will look!
Side Dishes
This bright, refreshing salad is a natural alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or really any lighter protein. Crusty bread or simple herbed rice are fantastic options to round out the meal. The spinach and berry combo even pairs well with quiche or a summer frittata for brunch. It’s truly one of those recipes that goes with anything.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative and try serving your Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing in individual mason jars for picnics, or pile it onto a large platter for a party-ready centerpiece. If you want to wow your guests, arrange the toppings in neat rows or playful patterns before tossing. This salad is made for showing off!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer the undressed salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep the dressing separately in its jar. The spinach and berries will keep nicely for up to two days, though it’s best eaten sooner rather than later to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, since fresh spinach and berries lose their texture when thawed. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to prep, just whip up the dressing and wash your salad ingredients in advance.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and fresh. If you do want to enhance the experience, you could toast your almond slices just before serving, which brings out an even nuttier aroma and adds delicious warmth!
FAQs
Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Definitely! While baby spinach is tender and mild, you can swap part or all of it for mixed greens, arugula, or even fresh kale (massage it first for tenderness). Each green gives a slightly different personality to the Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing, so try your favorite!
Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely. To keep the creamy flavor without dairy, try a vegan feta or soft goat cheese alternative, or simply omit the cheese altogether. The salad stays deliciously fruity and fresh either way.
What can I use instead of almonds?
If you’re allergic to almonds or simply want something different, pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds make wonderful crunchy stand-ins. Toasting your nuts or seeds first always adds an extra layer of flavor.
Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are ideal because they hold up better in the salad, but in a pinch you can use frozen ones—just defrost and drain them first. The flavor will still be lovely, though the texture may be a bit softer.
How long does the sweet poppy seed dressing last?
Your homemade poppy seed dressing keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just shake it up before using again, as some separation is totally normal. This way you’re always ready to throw together a speedy Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, no matter if you’re enjoying it for a busy weekday lunch or serving it for special company. Go ahead, whip up a batch and savor every vibrant, juicy bite—you won’t regret it!
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Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing Spinach Berry Salad with a Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing that combines the freshness of baby spinach with the sweetness of berries and the creaminess of feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Baby Spinach Leaves:
8 cups
Strawberries (sliced):
1 cup
Blueberries:
6 ounces
Raspberries:
6 ounces
Feta Cheese:
4 ounces
Red Onion (thinly sliced):
1/4
Sliced or Slivered Almonds:
1 cup
Oil:
1 cup
Vinegar (white, apple cider, or raspberry):
1/3 cup
Sugar:
1/2 cup
Poppy Seeds:
1 teaspoon
Dried Mustard:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- To make dressing: In a bowl or jar, combine oil, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, dried mustard, and salt. Shake well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, feta cheese, red onion, and almonds.
- Drizzle with poppyseed dressing.
- Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Spinach Berry Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing, Summer Salad, Healthy Salad
