Discover the ultimate **Spinach Almond and Berries Salad**, a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures that truly captures the essence of summer’s bounty. This recipe, featuring a delectable **Spinach Salad Dressing** that perfectly complements the sweetness of fresh berries, is poised to become your new seasonal favorite.
Imagine the delightful crunch of toasted almonds, the burst of juicy, sweet berries, and the refreshing crispness of tender greens, all harmoniously blended in this elevated **Strawberry Spinach Salad**. It’s more than just a salad; it’s an experience – a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly divine!
Why This Berry-Packed Spinach Salad is a Must-Try
My journey into the world of gourmet salads began over a decade ago when I stumbled upon a simple yet inspiring recipe in a cherished cookbook during a trip to Colorado. The image of a lush bed of greens generously adorned with a colorful medley of berries, all brought together by a sweet vinaigrette, sparked an instant culinary curiosity. That vision became the cornerstone for what evolved into this spectacular Spinach, Almond, and Berries Salad – a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
Growing up in central Iowa, my mother’s salads were, by necessity, quite traditional. They were fresh and wholesome, but often lacked the imaginative flair that I later discovered. It wasn’t until my aunt introduced us to her sensational Strawberry Spinach Salad that our family became instant devotees of fruit-infused greens. The hint of sweetness in the vinaigrette was undeniably a key factor in its appeal!
This particular version takes that classic concept and amplifies it to new heights. We’re not just talking about one or two types of berries; this recipe boasts FOUR distinct varieties, each contributing its unique flavor and texture profile. To enhance the base, we combine nutrient-rich spinach with delicate butter lettuce, providing a perfect foundation. The addition of thinly sliced green onions offers a subtle savory note, while a touch of fresh dill introduces an unexpectedly bright, herbaceous dimension that truly elevates the entire dish. And, of course, no elegant salad is complete without the satisfying crunch of perfectly toasted slivered almonds, adding both texture and a rich, nutty depth.
The star of the show, beyond the vibrant ingredients, is undoubtedly the homemade dressing. This isn’t just any vinaigrette; it’s a thoughtfully crafted blend designed to harmonize with the sweetness of the berries. It’s a little more complex, featuring robust garlic, a hint of umami from Worcestershire sauce, the subtle kick of dry mustard, and the gentle warmth of onion powder. These savory elements are beautifully balanced with a generous dose of sugar, high-quality oil, and tangy vinegar, creating a dressing that’s both sweet and savory, light yet flavorful, and utterly irresistible. This carefully balanced dressing ensures every bite of our Spinach Almond and Berries Salad is a delightful culinary adventure, promising a refreshing and memorable experience for any meal.
Crafting Your Perfect Berry Spinach Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Childhood memories often shape our palates, and for me, the idea of fruit in a salad was initially met with apprehension. Growing up, my mom often tried to innovate beyond the standard tossed salad, which typically featured predictable ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers. My sisters and I weren’t always thrilled when she incorporated leftover steamed green beans, and the mere thought of fruit in our savory greens was, frankly, appalling. However, the first **strawberry spinach salad recipe** I ever tasted completely revolutionized my perspective. It was a revelation, changing my mind about the incredible potential of combining sweet and savory. Since that pivotal moment, I’ve become an enthusiastic advocate for incorporating fresh berries into salads, transforming them from simple sides into exciting, vibrant dishes.
To recreate this elegant and flavorful version, the process is straightforward, ensuring a gourmet experience without excessive effort:
- Prepare the Greens: Begin by combining fresh, tender baby spinach with crisp butter lettuce. Ensure both are thoroughly washed and dried, as excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy. Gently toss them together in a large serving bowl to create an inviting bed for the other ingredients.
- Add the Berry Medley: Next, meticulously arrange your perfectly ripe strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries over the mixed greens. For strawberries, gently slice them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they meld beautifully with the other berries. The contrast in colors and textures is not only visually appealing but also offers a burst of varied sweetness in every bite.
- Introduce Crunch and Aroma: Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds generously over the berries and greens. Toasted almonds add a depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch that elevates the salad. Then, delicately scatter thinly sliced green onions, which provide a mild, refreshing oniony bite. Finally, and this is a key differentiator, add a few delicate tendrils of fresh dill.
- PRO-Tip: The Magic of Fresh Dill: Even if the idea of fresh dill in a berry salad sounds unconventional, I urge you to give it a try. While I typically use dill sparingly, in this specific salad, it introduces a surprisingly delicious nuance. Its subtly aromatic, slightly anise-like flavor cuts through the sweetness of the berries and the richness of the dressing, adding an unexpected layer of freshness that makes this berry salad truly out-of-the-ordinary. It’s a small addition that makes a huge impact on the overall flavor profile.
- Craft the Perfect Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients—except the olive oil—until they are well combined. This includes your sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry mustard, onion powder, and black pepper. Once these are thoroughly mixed, begin slowly drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. This gradual addition and constant whisking are crucial for emulsifying the dressing, creating a smooth, creamy texture that won’t separate easily.
- Serve with Flair: You have two excellent options for serving: either gently toss the entire salad with some of the dressing just before bringing it to the table, ensuring every leaf and berry is lightly coated, or pass the dressing alongside the salad, allowing guests to add their desired amount. This delicious twist on a spinach salad is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for a casual picnic, a festive barbecue, or simply a light, flavorful weeknight dinner at home.
- Embrace Adaptability: This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to customize it to your preferences. Omit the nuts entirely if you have an allergy, or switch out the slivered almonds for toasted pecans or walnuts. Similarly, embrace the berry bounty by using all four suggested varieties, or simplify it by opting for just one, two, or three of your favorites. The core delightful experience remains, regardless of your personal touches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Berry Salads
Selecting peak-season berries is crucial for the best flavor. Always rely on your senses of sight and smell. Quality berries should emit a sweet, inviting aroma. Visually, they should appear plump, firm, and uniformly vibrant in color, characteristic of their type. Carefully inspect all sides of the container for any signs of bruises, soft spots, mold, or areas of green (especially on strawberries or blueberries), which indicate they are not fully ripe or are past their prime. Freshness makes all the difference in a berry salad.
Vinaigrettes often separate if they weren’t properly emulsified during preparation. Emulsification is the process of blending two immiscible liquids (like oil and vinegar) into a stable mixture, typically by slowly incorporating the oil into the vinegar mixture while whisking vigorously. If the oil is added too quickly or whisked insufficiently, the mixture won’t fully combine, and the dressing will separate into distinct layers. The good news is, a separated dressing is perfectly fine to consume and incredibly easy to fix! Simply give the dressing a vigorous whisk or shake the container well just before serving, and it will come back together beautifully, ready to dress your delicious salad.
Yes, you can certainly prepare components of this salad in advance to make assembly quick and easy. Wash and dry your greens, store them in an airtight container or bag with a paper towel in the refrigerator. Wash and slice your strawberries, and have all your berries ready, but store them separately from the greens to prevent sogginess. Toast your almonds and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The dressing can be made several days ahead and stored in an airtight jar in the fridge; just remember to shake it well before use. For the best texture and freshness, only combine the greens, berries, nuts, and dressing right before you plan to serve the salad.
This Spinach Almond and Berries Salad is incredibly versatile and shines on many occasions. Its vibrant appearance and refreshing flavors make it an ideal choice for spring and summer gatherings, such as barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. It’s also a fantastic light lunch or dinner option, especially when paired with grilled chicken, fish, or a light pasta dish. Don’t limit it to special events; its ease of preparation makes it perfect for weeknight meals when you’re craving something fresh, healthy, and satisfying. It’s also a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, offering a colorful and healthy counterpoint to richer dishes.
Explore More Delicious Salad Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and fresh appeal of our Spinach Almond and Berries Salad, you’ll be thrilled to discover other salad recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients and creative combinations. Expand your culinary repertoire with these enticing options:
- Summer Caprese Salad from Two Peas and Their Pod for a classic Italian favorite.
- Goat Cheese Salad with Raspberry Dressing – Creative Culinary, offering a sophisticated blend of flavors.
- Spinach Pear Salad with Cranberries and Blue Cheese for a delightful mix of sweet and savory.
- Citrus Spinach Salad with Avocados and Oranges, a bright and zesty option.
- Peach and Beet Salad, a colorful and earthy choice with a hint of sweetness.
- Plus, explore more of the Best Salad Recipes to find your next culinary inspiration!
We hope you adore this **Spinach Almond and Berries Salad** as much as we do! Stay connected with us and share your culinary creations through social media @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes – we love seeing your delicious results! And if this recipe earns a special place in your heart (and on your table), please show your support by giving it a 5-star rating in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you more amazing dishes!
Spinach, Almond and Berries Salad
20 minutes
20 minutes
4 servings
A refreshing salad with fresh strawberries and spinach plus crunchy almonds.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup sherry or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
Salad:
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 8 ounces baby spinach
- 8 ounces butter lettuce
- 4 green onions, trimmed and sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Instructions
- Make the dressing by whisking all ingredients except oil. Slowly drizzle in oil while whisking constantly. Set aside.
- Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl. Before serving, add the vinaigrette and toss.
Notes
Feel free to leave out the nuts or substitute with pecans or walnuts. For an allergy-friendly option, omit nuts entirely.
Use all 4 berries for maximum visual appeal and flavor complexity, or select just one or two of your favorites. This recipe is wonderfully flexible and forgiving!
This recipe has been thoughtfully adapted from Colorado Colore, bringing a fresh twist to a beloved classic.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 413Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 8gSugar: 34gProtein: 6g
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