Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors that elevates any meal. This vibrant salad is perfect for picnics, summer gatherings, or a light lunch at home. With its combination of juicy berries and creamy feta, it not only looks appealing but also tantalizes your taste buds. This salad is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those busy days when you crave something healthy yet satisfying.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- How to Make Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
- Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancements
- Step 3: Serve Your Salad
- How to Serve Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Quick Lunch Idea
- Picnic Perfection
- Elegant Dinner Starter
- Healthy Snack Option
- How to Perfect Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Reheating Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of greens in my Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
- How can I customize my Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
- Is this Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad suitable for meal prep?
- What dressing works well with this Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: This salad requires just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a hassle-free option.
- Flavorful Delight: The mix of sweet berries and tangy feta creates a delicious flavor profile.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and berries, it’s a guilt-free treat.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any table setting.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is straightforward with the right tools. Having the essential equipment will streamline the process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad plates
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss ingredients without spilling.
- Salad plates: Help in serving the salad elegantly, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
Macros per serving:
• 224 Calories
• 25g of Fat
• 5g of Protein
• 8g of Net Carbs
For the Salad
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup fresh sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1.5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
- Place the fresh baby spinach in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently to coat the spinach evenly.
Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancements
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice.
- Add more pepper, then toss again until all spinach leaves are well coated.
Step 3: Serve Your Salad
- Divide the dressed spinach between two salad plates.
- Top each plate with the sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Enjoy your Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad as a refreshing side or a light meal!
How to Serve Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Serving Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit various occasions. This vibrant salad not only looks appealing but also offers a medley of flavors that complement each other beautifully.
Quick Lunch Idea
- Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a crunchy texture.
- Add grilled chicken on top for extra protein and heartiness.
Picnic Perfection
- Serve in mason jars for easy transport and stunning presentation.
- Include a small container of balsamic vinaigrette on the side to keep it fresh until you’re ready to eat.
Elegant Dinner Starter
- Present the salad in elegant bowls alongside a glass of white wine.
- Garnish with edible flowers for a touch of sophistication.
Healthy Snack Option
- Offer as a light snack with sliced cucumbers on the side.
- Drizzle with honey for a sweet twist that enhances the berry flavors.
How to Perfect Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Creating the perfect Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad involves attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Here are tips to elevate your salad:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe berries make all the difference in flavor.
- Balance Flavors: Ensure the sweetness of berries is balanced with the saltiness of feta cheese.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep spinach crisp, add dressing right before serving.
- Experiment with Nuts: Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans provides crunch and additional nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your meal. Consider these options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken adds protein and complements the salad’s flavors.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish brings an earthy element to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender offer a satisfying contrast.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful array of seasonal fruits echoes the berry theme beautifully.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can add substance without overwhelming your palate.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits provide comfort alongside your fresh salad.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges add a delightful crunch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using wilting or old spinach can ruin the salad’s taste. Always choose fresh baby spinach for the best flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much olive oil or lemon juice can make the salad soggy. Keep the dressing light to enhance, not overpower, the ingredients.
- Not balancing flavors: Forgetting to add salt and pepper can leave the salad bland. Seasoning is essential for bringing out all the flavors in your dish.
- Ignoring presentation: A poorly assembled salad can look unappealing. Take time to arrange the berries and feta nicely on top of the spinach for a beautiful presentation.
- Making it ahead of time: Preparing this salad too early can lead to wilting greens. Make it fresh right before serving for maximum crispness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad will stay fresh for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
Freezing Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Avoid freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to its texture and freshness. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Oven: Not recommended as the salad should be served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will wilt the greens.
- Stovetop: Not suitable for reheating; serve chilled instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad:
Can I use other types of greens in my Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
Yes! You can substitute baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens based on your preference.
How can I customize my Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch or include other berries such as raspberries or blackberries.
Is this Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad suitable for meal prep?
This salad is best eaten fresh but you can prepare ingredients ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
What dressing works well with this Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
A light balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this salad and enhances its flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of flavors that highlight summer’s bounty. It’s perfect as a healthy lunch or side dish at gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite nuts or additional fruits for variety!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of fresh berries with the creaminess of feta cheese. Perfect for summer picnics or light lunches, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients from spinach and berries. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this delightful salad that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether served as a side or a light main course, it offers a burst of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1.5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh baby spinach with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat.
- Drizzle in fresh lemon juice and add more pepper, tossing until all leaves are evenly coated.
- Divide the dressed spinach onto two plates and top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 327mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
