This Berry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing twist on your everyday greens. It's vibrant, full of flavor, and perfect for a light lunch or an impressive side dish at your next gathering. Packed with fresh berries and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce.
Spinach: The fresh, crisp base of your salad, packed with iron and vitamins. Baby spinach is tender and perfect for raw salads.
Strawberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries: These berries add a burst of sweetness and color. They’re high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet berries, enhancing the salad's flavor complexity.
Sliced Almonds: Provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of nutty flavor, also boosting protein content slightly.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The base for our dressing, offering a rich, smooth texture and heart-healthy fats.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives the dressing its tangy kick while offering potential digestive benefits.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing, balancing the vinegar's acidity.
Poppy Seeds: Add a subtle nutty flavor and interesting texture to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a hint of sharpness.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty quinoa dish. It’s also perfect as a refreshing side to a summer barbecue or a festive holiday spread.
Let’s start with the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until everything is well combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Now, on to the salad. In a large bowl, toss together 6 ounces of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of blueberries, and 1/2 cup of raspberries. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently, making sure everything gets a nice, even coating.
Once dressed, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds over the salad. Give it one final gentle toss and you’re ready to serve!
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