Hey y'all! Summer is calling, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a vibrant Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing? This colorful salad bursts with juicy berries, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and a tangy-sweet homemade dressing—making it the ideal side or light meal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Trust me, this recipe is as delicious as it is beautiful. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Filled with fresh, seasonal berries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Homemade poppy seed dressing is creamy, tangy, and super easy to whip up.
- Packed with nutrients—antioxidants from berries and iron from spinach.
- Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a healthy lunch any day of the week.
- Customizable with your favorite berries, nuts, or cheeses.
Ingredients for Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- 5 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Step 1: Make the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon juice, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until fully emulsified and creamy. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Layer on the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds for a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Dress & Toss
Drizzle about half the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, adding more dressing as desired. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips
- If making ahead, keep dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes for extra crunch and flavor.
- Check out this guide on washing spinach to keep your greens crisp and clean!
Variations for Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Nut-Free: Swap almonds for roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and substitute vegan cheese.
Required Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Salad tongs or serving utensils
- Skillet (for toasting almonds)
Storage Instructions for Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the poppy seed dressing in a separate jar for up to 1 week. For best texture, assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite summer sandwich.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.
- Enjoy as a standalone light lunch or as a colorful potluck addition!
Pro Tips for the Best Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes before tossing to meld the flavors together.
- For juicier berries, use fresh, ripe fruit and pat dry after washing to avoid watering down the salad.
- Visit this resource on berry nutrition for more healthy inspiration!
FAQ: Summer Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Can I use frozen berries?
- Fresh berries are recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- What other greens work in this salad?
- You can substitute baby arugula or mixed spring greens for spinach for a peppery twist.
- Is the poppy seed dressing gluten-free?
- Yes, this homemade poppy seed dressing is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your Dijon mustard and vinegar labels to be sure. Learn more about gluten-free salad dressings at Celiac.com.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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2Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, red onion, pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
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3Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving.
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4Gently toss the salad to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
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5Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh summer salad.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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