This berry feta spinach salad with homemade strawberry poppy seed dressing is a refreshing, nutrient-packed meal that combines sweet berries, tangy feta, and crunchy spinach perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Berry Feta Spinach Salad
This vibrant salad is more than just a pretty dish! It combines sweet, juicy berries with creamy feta cheese and tender spinach for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or meal prep. Plus, the homemade strawberry poppy seed dressing adds a delightful tangy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
Berry Feta Spinach Salad Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- Optional: ¼ cup dried cranberries
For the Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Tools Used to Make Berry Feta Spinach Salad
- Large salad bowl
- Small blender or food processor (for dressing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Whisk
- Salad tongs
How to Make Berry Feta Spinach Salad
For the Dressing:
- Place all dressing ingredients except poppy seeds in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in poppy seeds by hand.
- Refrigerate until ready to use (can be made 1-2 days ahead).
For the Salad:
- Place spinach in a large bowl.
- Add berries, feta cheese, red onion, and nuts.
- Drizzle with desired amount of dressing right before serving.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Variations of Berry Feta Spinach Salad
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta.
- Greens Options: Replace spinach with arugula, mixed greens, or kale.
- Nut Alternatives: Substitute almonds, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds for pecans.
- Fruit Variations: Add sliced peaches, mandarin oranges, or apple slices in season.
Serving Berry Feta Spinach Salad
This versatile salad works beautifully as:
- A light summer lunch
- Side dish for grilled meats
- Starter for dinner parties
- Potluck contribution
- Holiday table addition
For best presentation, serve immediately after dressing to maintain the crispness of the greens. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Combine and add dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
How long does the strawberry poppy seed dressing last? The dressing stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I use frozen berries? Fresh berries work best for texture, but thawed frozen berries can work in the dressing. Pat them dry first to remove excess moisture.
Is this salad healthy? Absolutely! It’s packed with antioxidants from berries, iron from spinach, and protein from nuts and cheese.
What can I pair this salad with? This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or as a side to sandwiches and soups.
Final Thoughts
This berry feta spinach salad brings together summer’s best flavors in one beautiful, nutritious dish. Try it today and discover your new favorite salad—don’t forget to save some dressing for other salads too!
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
- Chicken Rice Casserole
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls
- Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
- Lemon Blueberry Trifle
- Ultimate 5-Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
- Strawberry Lemon Blondies
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| Berry Feta Spinach Salad with Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 285 per serving |
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup strawberry poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- Prepare dressing by blending strawberries, olive oil, honey, vinegar, yogurt, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in poppy seeds.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, berries, feta cheese, red onion, and nuts.
- Drizzle with dressing right before serving and toss gently.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For meal prep, store components separately and combine when ready to eat
- Add grilled chicken or salmon to make it a complete meal
- Dressing can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator