Savor the freshness of summer with this vibrant Summer Berry Spinach Salad recipe! Packed with nutritious baby spinach, juicy mixed berries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds, this salad is a delightful burst of flavors. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion or a light meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this colorful dish!
5 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and patted dry
1 cup mixed berries (a delightful combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese, for a creamy tang
¼ cup sliced almonds, adding a satisfying crunch
¼ red onion, thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness
3 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, to bring a sweet acidity
1 tablespoon honey, for natural sweetness
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
![To create a vibrant Summer Berry Spinach Salad, gather the following ingredients: - 5 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese - ¼ cup sliced almonds - ¼ red onion - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The fresh baby spinach adds a crisp base. Mixed berries bring natural sweetness and color. Feta cheese provides a creamy texture that balances the sweet berries. Sliced almonds add crunch, while red onion gives a nice bite. For the dressing, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar create a rich flavor. Honey enhances sweetness, making it perfect for summer. Salt and pepper round out the taste. This Summer Berry Spinach Salad is not only easy to make but also a feast for the eyes. You can find the full recipe details above for a step-by-step guide. Enjoy this refreshing dish any sunny day! Start by washing the fresh baby spinach. Place it in a large bowl and rinse it under cold water. Ensure you remove any grit or dirt. After washing, pat the spinach dry with a clean kitchen towel. This helps keep the leaves crisp. Now, place the dried spinach in your salad bowl. This vibrant green will serve as the salad’s base layer. Next, focus on the mixed berries. Rinse them gently under cold running water. Make sure to dry them with a clean kitchen towel. If you have strawberries, slice them into thin rounds or quarters. This step ensures an even distribution of sweetness. Add all the berries to the bowl with the spinach. You will create a colorful mix that looks as good as it tastes. Now, it’s time to build your salad. Evenly sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the spinach and berry mix. This adds a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the berries. In a small skillet, heat over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and toast them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them frequently to avoid burning. Once they are golden brown, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly. For the dressing, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth. Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad. Toss gently to coat every leaf and berry well. Just before serving, scatter the toasted almonds and thinly sliced red onions on top. This adds crunch and a nice flavor contrast. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To make the best Summer Berry Spinach Salad, start by choosing ripe and juicy berries. Look for berries that are bright in color and free from any bruises. Strawberries should be deep red, blueberries should be plump, and raspberries should have a rich hue. Firm berries taste better and hold up well in your salad. Next, identify fresh spinach leaves. Choose baby spinach with vibrant green color and no signs of wilting. The leaves should feel crisp and firm to the touch. Avoid any spinach that looks yellow or slimy. Fresh spinach provides a nice base for your salad. Adjust the sweetness of your dressing with honey. You can add more or less honey based on your taste. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add an extra tablespoon. This will help balance the flavors in your dish. Vinegar is key for balancing flavors. Balsamic vinegar brings a sweet acidity that pairs well with berries. If you want a tangier taste, try adding a splash of lemon juice. Experiment with the vinegar to find the right balance for your palate. Garnishing your salad adds visual appeal. Scatter a few whole berries on top for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle a bit more feta cheese for extra flair. A light dusting of fresh herbs, like mint, can elevate the look as well. For serving suggestions, consider a large platter for gatherings. This makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. You can also serve individual bowls for a more personal touch. Either way, your salad will look beautiful and inviting. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch out the feta cheese for other options. Goat cheese adds a rich creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, try avocado. It brings a smooth texture and healthy fats. When it comes to nuts or seeds, feel free to mix it up. Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds offer a different flavor and texture. These swaps can make your salad unique. To make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken or shrimp. Both proteins pair well with the berries and spinach. Just cook them with a bit of salt and pepper for flavor. You can also include more vegetables. Chopped cucumbers or bell peppers can add freshness. Carrots or radishes bring extra crunch and color. These add-ins can change the salad’s look and taste. For vegan options, replace the feta with tofu. It soaks up flavors well and adds protein. You can use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. If gluten is a concern, this salad is already gluten-free. Just make sure your dressing is gluten-free too. With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy this vibrant dish. For the full recipe, check out the Summer Berry Spinach Salad. To keep your Summer Berry Spinach Salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well for this purpose. Always make sure the container seals tightly to prevent air from getting inside. The salad will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. However, the spinach may wilt over time. The berries can last longer, but they may lose some texture. You can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach, then store it in a container with a paper towel. This will keep it crisp. You can also rinse the berries and slice the strawberries ahead of time. Just remember to keep them dry and in the fridge. For the dressing, mix all the ingredients in a jar. Seal it and store it in the fridge. You can make the dressing a few days in advance. Just give it a good shake before using it. This way, you can assemble the salad quickly when you are ready to serve. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. To make a vegan version, you can swap out the feta cheese. Use avocado for creaminess or a vegan cheese. For the dressing, replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. Yes, you can use frozen berries. They add great flavor and nutrition. Just remember to thaw them before adding to the salad. This helps avoid extra water in your dish. Frozen berries may not be as firm as fresh, so use them carefully. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh longer. If you have leftovers, keep the dressing separate. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. The salad lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. However, the berries and spinach may wilt over time. To enjoy the best taste, eat it within a day or two. This blog post covered a refreshing Summer Berry Spinach Salad. We discussed the ingredients you need, step-by-step prep, and assembly. Tips for choosing fresh items improve your salad's taste. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. In conclusion, this salad is easy to make and versatile. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy creating your healthy and vibrant dish!](https://goldendishy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d7cbd640-e74d-48cd-91ef-5930b3ae459b-300x300.webp)