Description
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Berry Salad featuring baby spinach, mixed berries, tangy strawberry poppy seed dressing, caramelized pistachios, and creamy feta cheese. This refreshing salad combines sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crunch, perfect as a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 10 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced then quartered
- 1 sweet apple, chopped or thinly sliced
- 1 kiwi, peeled, sliced and quartered (optional)
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/2 recipe caramelized roasted and salted pistachios
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients
- 5.3 oz container strawberry yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dry minced onion flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Caramelize Pistachios: Prepare the caramelized roasted and salted pistachios according to the recipe or package instructions. Set them aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: Combine all the strawberry poppy seed dressing ingredients except the poppy seeds and sesame seeds — that includes strawberry yogurt, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and optional dry minced onion flakes — in a blender. Blend until smooth. Then add the poppy seeds and sesame seeds and pulse just enough to incorporate them evenly into the dressing. Adjust flavor by adding more vinegar for tanginess, sugar for sweetness, or milk to thin the dressing. Refrigerate while preparing the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, red onion, chopped apple, kiwi if using, and feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: If serving immediately, drizzle your desired amount of the prepared strawberry poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients. For leftovers, dress individual portions to keep salad fresher longer. Season with freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute yogurt, mayonnaise, and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit feta cheese or replace with vegan cheese.
- Kiwi is optional and adds a bright tropical flavor; omit if preferred or unavailable.
- Caramelized pistachios add a sweet, crunchy texture—store them separately if preparing salad ahead to maintain crunch.
- Adjust the dressing sweetness or acidity by modifying sugar and vinegar amounts to taste.
- This salad is best served fresh to keep spinach crisp and berries intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
