Name: Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients: Fresh Spinach: (5 ounces) The base of our salad! Baby spinach is preferred for its tender leaves and mild flavor. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making this salad not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Look for vibrant green leaves without any wilted or yellowing pieces. Spinach provides a slightly earthy counterpoint to the sweetness of the berries.; Mixed Berries: (2 cups) This is where the magic happens! A medley of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a burst of sweetness, tartness, and beautiful color. Use a combination or choose your favorites. Strawberries offer sweetness and a classic berry flavor. Blueberries bring a subtle sweetness and antioxidant power. Raspberries provide a tart and slightly floral note. Blackberries offer a deep, rich berry flavor. Fresh berries are best for their vibrant taste and texture, but in a pinch, you can use frozen berries, thawed and drained well.; Feta Cheese: (4 ounces) Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that perfectly complements the sweetness of the berries and the earthiness of the spinach. Feta made from sheep’s milk will have a sharper, more traditional flavor, while cow’s milk feta is milder and creamier. If you prefer a milder cheese, you could substitute goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella pearls.; Red Onion: (¼ cup, thinly sliced) A little red onion adds a zesty bite and a touch of sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients. Thinly slicing the red onion is key to ensure it doesn’t overpower the salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor. Alternatively, you can use thinly sliced shallots or even green onions for a milder onion flavor.; Toasted Almonds or Pecans: (½ cup, slivered or chopped) Nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture and taste of the salad. Almonds offer a slightly sweet and mild flavor, while pecans bring a richer, buttery taste. Toasting the nuts is crucial, as it intensifies their flavor and adds a satisfying crispness. You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Watch them carefully to prevent burning! Walnuts or pistachios would also be delicious alternatives.; Olive Oil: (⅓ cup) Extra virgin olive oil is the foundation of our dressing, providing a rich, fruity flavor and healthy fats. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best taste. The olive oil emulsifies with the other ingredients to create a smooth and luscious dressing.; Apple Cider Vinegar: (¼ cup) Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly fruity acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and poppy seeds. It also contributes to the dressing’s emulsification. You can substitute white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile, but apple cider vinegar is classic for poppy seed dressing.; Honey: (3 tablespoons) Honey provides natural sweetness and a lovely floral note to the dressing. It balances the acidity of the vinegar and complements the fruit in the salad. You can adjust the amount of honey to your preference for sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as vegan alternatives.; Dijon Mustard: (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness and emulsifying power to the dressing. It helps to bind the oil and vinegar together, creating a creamy texture. Dijon mustard has a distinct tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness and acidity.; Poppy Seeds: (2 tablespoons) Poppy seeds are the star of the dressing, providing a delightful nutty flavor and a characteristic crunch. They also add visual appeal to the dressing. Fresh poppy seeds will have the best flavor.; Salt and Black Pepper: (To taste) Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients in the dressing and the salad. Season to your liking, starting with a pinch and adding more as needed. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor.

Ingredients

This Spinach Berry Salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

Fresh Spinach: (5 ounces) The base of our salad! Baby spinach is preferred for its tender leaves and mild flavor. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making this salad not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Look for vibrant green leaves without any wilted or yellowing pieces. Spinach provides a slightly earthy counterpoint to the sweetness of the berries.
Mixed Berries: (2 cups) This is where the magic happens! A medley of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a burst of sweetness, tartness, and beautiful color. Use a combination or choose your favorites. Strawberries offer sweetness and a classic berry flavor. Blueberries bring a subtle sweetness and antioxidant power. Raspberries provide a tart and slightly floral note. Blackberries offer a deep, rich berry flavor. Fresh berries are best for their vibrant taste and texture, but in a pinch, you can use frozen berries, thawed and drained well.
Feta Cheese: (4 ounces) Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that perfectly complements the sweetness of the berries and the earthiness of the spinach. Feta made from sheep’s milk will have a sharper, more traditional flavor, while cow’s milk feta is milder and creamier. If you prefer a milder cheese, you could substitute goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella pearls.
Red Onion: (¼ cup, thinly sliced) A little red onion adds a zesty bite and a touch of sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients. Thinly slicing the red onion is key to ensure it doesn’t overpower the salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor. Alternatively, you can use thinly sliced shallots or even green onions for a milder onion flavor.
Toasted Almonds or Pecans: (½ cup, slivered or chopped) Nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture and taste of the salad. Almonds offer a slightly sweet and mild flavor, while pecans bring a richer, buttery taste. Toasting the nuts is crucial, as it intensifies their flavor and adds a satisfying crispness. You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Watch them carefully to prevent burning! Walnuts or pistachios would also be delicious alternatives.

For the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing:

Olive Oil: (⅓ cup) Extra virgin olive oil is the foundation of our dressing, providing a rich, fruity flavor and healthy fats. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best taste. The olive oil emulsifies with the other ingredients to create a smooth and luscious dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: (¼ cup) Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and slightly fruity acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and poppy seeds. It also contributes to the dressing’s emulsification. You can substitute white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile, but apple cider vinegar is classic for poppy seed dressing.
Honey: (3 tablespoons) Honey provides natural sweetness and a lovely floral note to the dressing. It balances the acidity of the vinegar and complements the fruit in the salad. You can adjust the amount of honey to your preference for sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as vegan alternatives.
Dijon Mustard: (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness and emulsifying power to the dressing. It helps to bind the oil and vinegar together, creating a creamy texture. Dijon mustard has a distinct tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness and acidity.
Poppy Seeds: (2 tablespoons) Poppy seeds are the star of the dressing, providing a delightful nutty flavor and a characteristic crunch. They also add visual appeal to the dressing. Fresh poppy seeds will have the best flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: (To taste) Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients in the dressing and the salad. Season to your liking, starting with a pinch and adding more as needed. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor.

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Instructions

Making this Spinach Berry Salad is incredibly straightforward. The dressing comes together quickly, and assembling the salad is a breeze. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

This dressing is what truly elevates the salad. It’s best to make it first so the flavors have time to meld while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper.
- Tip for Emulsification: If using a bowl, whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened. If using a mason jar, simply screw on the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. Emulsification is key for a dressing that doesn’t separate.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add a little more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Flavor Balance: The perfect poppy seed dressing should be a balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly savory. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios to find your ideal taste.
Set Aside: Once the dressing is ready, set it aside while you prepare the salad ingredients. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Now, let’s get the salad components ready. Freshness and proper preparation are key to a delicious salad.

Wash and Dry Spinach: Thoroughly wash the baby spinach in a salad spinner or a large bowl of cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, or gently pat it dry with paper towels. Excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
- Spinach Quality: Choose spinach that is crisp and vibrant green. Discard any wilted or yellowing leaves.
Prepare the Berries: Wash and gently dry the mixed berries. If using strawberries, hull and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Leave smaller berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries whole.
- Berry Handling: Berries are delicate, so handle them gently to avoid bruising. Wash them just before you are ready to assemble the salad to maintain their freshness.
Slice the Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Thin Slicing Technique: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the red onion thinly. Thin slices will distribute the flavor evenly throughout the salad and prevent overpowering bites.
Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended): If using raw nuts, toast them to enhance their flavor and texture. Spread slivered almonds or chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
- Toasting Tips: Watch the nuts carefully while toasting, as they can burn quickly. Toasting brings out the natural oils and nutty flavors, adding a depth of flavor to the salad.
Crumble the Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Feta Texture: Crumbling feta just before serving helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming too soft or mushy.

Step 3: Assemble the Spinach Berry Salad

Now it’s time to bring all the prepared ingredients together into a beautiful and flavorful salad.

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the spinach, mixed berries, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted nuts.
- Gentle Mixing: Toss the ingredients gently to avoid bruising the berries and spinach.
Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the sweet poppy seed dressing over the salad. Start with a portion of the dressing and add more as needed, tossing gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Dressing Timing: It’s best to dress the salad right before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and the salad from becoming soggy. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Spinach Berry Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. The fresh ingredients are at their peak when served right away.

Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Spinach Berry Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 300
Fiber: 7