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- 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 The Summer Berry Spinach Salad is a burst of color and flavor! Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delicious and healthy dish. Benefits of spinach Spinach is a superfood. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains iron and calcium. Eating spinach helps with bone health and boosts your immune system. Benefits of berries Berries are full of antioxidants. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries fight free radicals. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which is great for digestion. Nutritional value of almonds Almonds add crunch and protein. They contain healthy fats and vitamin E. Including almonds helps keep your heart healthy. They also provide energy and keep you full longer. This salad is not just tasty; it is a powerhouse of nutrition! For the full recipe, check the details above. 1. Salad assembly: Grab a large salad bowl. Start with 5 cups of fresh baby spinach. This is your base. 2. Rinsing and slicing berries: Rinse 1 cup of mixed berries under cold water. Use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. If you use strawberries, slice them into thinner pieces. Add all the berries to the spinach in the bowl. 3. Toasting almonds: In a small skillet over medium heat, add ¼ cup of sliced almonds. Toast them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them often until they turn golden and smell good. Remove them from heat and let them cool. 1. How to whisk dressing ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until it blends well. 2. Tips for emulsifying: Keep whisking the dressing until it looks smooth and thick. This helps the oil and vinegar mix better. 1. Tossing the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the spinach and berries well. Make sure every bite gets some flavor. 2. Presentation suggestions: Serve the salad on a large platter or in individual bowls. Add extra berries and a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your fresh and colorful Summer Berry Spinach Salad! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To make this salad shine, serve it on a large platter. You can also use individual bowls. This adds a nice touch and makes the salad look inviting. For a protein boost, pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins add flavor and keep you full longer. Want to make it vegan? Simply leave out the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess. If you need a gluten-free option, this salad is naturally gluten-free. For extra crunch, try using sunflower seeds instead of almonds. Feel free to swap berries too. Use blackberries or cherries if you prefer. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately. Keep it in a small jar or container. When ready to eat, mix the salad and dressing just before serving. This helps the spinach stay crisp. Use airtight containers for the salad. Glass containers work best for storing leftovers. Check for freshness daily, and enjoy bites of summer! {{image_2}} You can make your summer berry spinach salad even better with some add-ins. Adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp boosts flavor and makes it more filling. You can also mix in other fruits. Try peaches or apples for a sweet twist. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and taste too. You have many choices for dressings. A classic balsamic vinaigrette works well. You can also try a creamy dressing for a different flavor. Making your dressing at home can be fun and fresh. It lets you control the taste and ingredients. Store-bought dressings save time but might have hidden sugars. Check the label for a healthier option. As the seasons change, your salad can change too. In fall, add roasted squash or apples. In winter, use hearty greens like kale or add nuts and dried fruits. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting all year round. You can explore new recipes for seasonal salads that highlight what’s in season. To keep your Summer Berry Spinach Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. This salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. For short-term storage, use an airtight container. This protects the salad from drying out. Long-term storage is not recommended due to the greens wilting. You cannot reheat this salad since it is best served cold. Store spinach in a breathable bag. This helps keep it crisp. Avoid washing spinach until you're ready to use it. As for berries, keep them in their original container. If they get wet, they can spoil faster. To prevent browning, add a little lemon juice to cut fruits. This keeps them looking fresh and tasty. If you want to prepare the salad in advance, consider jar layering. Start with the dressing at the bottom. Next, add the sturdier ingredients like spinach and almonds. Place berries on top to avoid crushing. Keep the salad in the fridge and add the dressing when ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. For the full recipe, refer back to the instructions above. How long does the salad last in the fridge? This salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. The spinach may wilt, so eat it sooner for the best taste. Can I prepare this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just wait to add the dressing until you serve it. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp. What can I substitute for feta cheese? If you want a different cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add nice flavors and creaminess to the salad. How to keep spinach from wilting Store spinach in a clean, dry container. A paper towel inside helps absorb moisture. This keeps the leaves fresh longer. Ideal combinations for berries Mix strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a tasty blend. You can also use blackberries or cherries for variety. Each berry brings unique flavors and nutrients. Nutritional breakdown per serving Each serving has about 150 calories. It provides vitamins A, C, and E, along with healthy fats from almonds. This salad is both filling and nutritious. Modifications for larger groups To serve more people, simply double or triple the recipe. Adjust the ingredients as needed, keeping the same ratios for a balanced flavor. This blog post showed you how to make a delicious spinach berry salad. It covered the key ingredients and their health benefits. We discussed step-by-step instructions to prepare the salad and dressings. Then, I shared tips for serving and storing your salad to keep it fresh. Finally, you learned about variations and customization options to fit your taste. Remember, a healthy salad can be fun and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and stay creative in your kitchen!

Summer Berry Spinach Salad

Brighten your summer meals with a delicious Summer Berry Spinach Salad! Packed with fresh baby spinach, juicy mixed berries, crumbled feta cheese, and crunchy almonds, this salad is as nutritious as it is colorful. Drizzled with a homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey, every bite is a burst of flavor. Click through to discover this simple recipe and elevate your summer dining experience today!
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Ingredients
  

5 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup sliced almonds

¼ red onion, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach as the base.

    Rinse the mixed berries under cold water and pat them dry. If using strawberries, slice them into thinner pieces. Add all the berries to the bowl with the spinach.

      Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the berries and spinach mixture.

        In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and aromatic. Remove them from heat and let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.

          For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

            Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the spinach and berries are well-coated.

              Finally, top the salad with the toasted almonds and thinly sliced red onions for an added crunch and flavor boost.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 10 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad on a large platter or individual bowls. Garnish with extra berries and a sprinkle of feta on top for a vibrant and appealing presentation.