Nothing says fresh and wholesome like a berry spinach salad bursting with color and flavor. This berry spinach salad with blueberries, raspberries, pecans, mandarin oranges, and balsamic dressing is a perfect way to brighten up your meal or snack time.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a show-stopping side, this salad suits all occasions. The blend of sweet berries with crunchy pecans and the tangy balsamic drizzle will quickly make it your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with no cooking required, making it perfect for quick meals.
- Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins from fresh berries and spinach.
- The crunchy pecans add great texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side or a light main dish.
- Refreshing and colorful, perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave freshness.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to make this delicious berry spinach salad.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained if canned
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
How to Make Perfect Berry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Raspberries, Pecans, Mandarin Oranges, and Balsamic…
- In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, fresh blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin orange segments.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without smashing the berries.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and crumbled feta cheese (if using) on top for added crunch and creaminess.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their peak.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Dry spinach thoroughly after washing to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
- Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to deepen their flavor before adding.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep berries and spinach crisp.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to taste based on your preferred sweetness level.
Storage and Reheating
This berry spinach salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain crispness.
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give the salad a gentle toss and add a splash of fresh dressing if needed before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Frozen berries are not ideal for this salad as they tend to become mushy when thawed. For the best texture and flavor, use fresh berries.
What other nuts can I use in place of pecans?
Walnuts or sliced almonds make great substitutes for pecans, providing similar crunch and flavor profiles.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
While the salad ingredients are healthy for meal prep, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and combine just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the salad vegan-friendly.
