Refreshing Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette

Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette is like a summer party for your taste buds, bursting with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. Imagine crisp spinach leaves dancing alongside juicy berries, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette that makes your mouth water in anticipation.

This salad isn’t just a pretty face; it’s the life of the party! It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or whenever you want to impress your friends with minimal effort. Every bite takes me back to my grandmother’s garden, where ripe strawberries and greens were just waiting to be picked.

Ingredients for Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Baby Spinach: Use about 6 cups of baby spinach for its tender leaves and mild flavor, making it the perfect base for our salad.
• Strawberries: Freshly hulled and sliced strawberries add sweetness and a beautiful pop of color—aim for about 1-2 cups.
• Blueberries: Add about 1 cup of blueberries; they provide antioxidants and burst with juiciness in every bite.
• Feta Cheese: Crumble around 1 cup of feta cheese on top for creaminess; goat cheese also works if you prefer an alternative.
• Pecan Halves: Use roughly half a cup of pecan halves for crunch; feel free to toast them lightly for extra flavor.

For the Dressing:

• Fresh Lime Juice: You’ll need the juice of about two limes for tartness—it brightens everything up!
• Olive Oil: About half a cup will give the dressing its silky texture and richness while balancing out the acidity.
• Maple Syrup: A couple of tablespoons will sweeten the deal; it complements the berries perfectly without overpowering them.

End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”

How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Greens

Start by rinsing your fresh baby spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry gently using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Place them in a large bowl, ready to hold all those delicious toppings.

Step 2: Slice Your Strawberries

Grab those luscious strawberries and slice them into thin pieces—about a quarter inch works great. This way, they mingle well with the spinach without overwhelming each bite.

Step 3: Mix Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and maple syrup until well combined. Taste it! Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed—maybe even add more lime if you’re feeling zesty!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add your freshly sliced strawberries and blueberries into the bowl with spinach. Sprinkle in crumbled feta cheese and pecan halves—don’t skimp on those crunchy bits!

Step 5: Dress It Up

Drizzle your homemade strawberry lime vinaigrette over the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Toss gently but thoroughly so every leaf gets dressed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer your colorful salad onto plates or serve it family-style in that big bowl—watch out for hungry hands! This salad is best enjoyed immediately while all those lovely flavors are at their peak.

This Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette will not only brighten up your plate but will also brighten your day! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about summers past or dream up new picnics ahead.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your ingredients: wash the spinach, slice the strawberries, and toast the nuts. Then, whip up that zesty vinaigrette while the nuts cool. Finally, toss everything together for a beautiful presentation.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap spinach for kale or mixed greens if you want something different. Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess, or sprinkle in some sunflower seeds for an extra crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.

Sometimes I whip up this berry spinach salad for family gatherings, and it’s always a hit! My cousin once declared it “the salad of dreams,” which made my day!

FAQs:

What is a Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette?

A Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette features fresh spinach leaves topped with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The salad is enhanced by a light vinaigrette made from strawberry puree, lime juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. This vibrant salad not only offers a delightful balance of flavors but also provides essential nutrients, making it a refreshing choice for any meal.

How can I make the Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette?

To prepare the Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette, blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Combine the strawberry puree with freshly squeezed lime juice, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and whisk in olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing complements the berry spinach salad perfectly, enhancing its natural flavors without overwhelming them.

Can I customize the Berry Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! The Berry Spinach Salad is highly customizable. You can add grilled chicken or turkey for protein or incorporate nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. Feel free to mix in other fruits such as mangoes or oranges, depending on your preference. Experimenting with additional toppings will enhance this healthy salad while keeping it delicious and visually appealing.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep. To maintain freshness, store the salad components separately: keep the spinach and berries in one container and the vinaigrette in another. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine them. This ensures that the greens stay crisp and the dressing doesn’t wilt the salad ahead of time.

Conclusion for Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette:

In summary, the Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines fresh spinach and an array of berries topped with a vibrant dressing. It can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs while being perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light main course to elevate any meal!

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Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette

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Berry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines tender baby spinach with juicy strawberries and blueberries, all drizzled in a zesty homemade dressing. This delightful salad is perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners, balancing sweet and savory flavors while remaining easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing side or a light main course, this salad is sure to impress your guests!

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup pecan halves (toasted if desired)
• Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Rinse and dry the spinach. Place it in a large bowl.
2. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces and add them to the spinach.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and maple syrup until well combined.
4. Add blueberries, crumbled feta, and pecans to the spinach bowl.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added crunch, substitute pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds. Feel free to swap baby spinach for kale or mixed greens for variety. Store leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness.