Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any season. Combining sweet berries, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta with a homemade dressing, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 8 cups Baby Spinach Leaves
• 1 cup Strawberries, sliced
• 6 ounces Blueberries
• 6 ounces Raspberries
• 4 ounces Feta Cheese
• 1/4 Red Onion, thinly sliced (use less if desired)
• 1 cup Sliced or Slivered Almonds
• 1 cup Oil
• 1/3 cup Vinegar (white, apple cider, or raspberry)
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dried Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: To make the dressing, combine oil, vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, dried mustard, and salt in a bowl or jar. Shake or whisk well until the sugar dissolves. Refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to use it.
2. Step 2: Place the baby spinach leaves in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and almonds on top.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
4. Step 4: Toss gently to combine or serve as is. Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
• Swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option.
• If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup.
• Use any mix of berries you like or have on hand for a personalized touch.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can keep for up to one week. The salad is best eaten fresh but can be kept for 1 day; berries and spinach may become soggy if stored mixed for too long. When ready to eat, toss the salad again and add fresh berries if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby kale instead of spinach?

Yes, baby kale is a sturdy green that works well in this salad. Just be sure to massage it lightly to soften before adding toppings and dressing.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely. Also, check the sugar and mustard ingredients to ensure they are vegan-friendly.