This Mixed Berry Spinach Salad will be your new go to side for almost anything!
An extra tasty and easy way to add some greens to your meal, it has everything a salad needs. A little crunch thanks to the pecans, a touch of creaminess thanks to the goat cheese, a bit of bite from the red onions and a dash of sweet thanks to the berries!
And now let me tell you my secret...
I usually make this salad with FROZEN berries! Just allow them to thaw (or toss them in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you didn't have a chance to plan ahead!) and add them to the salad- juices and all.
Why do I make them with frozen berries?
a) convenience- I always have frozen berries of some sort in the freezer so if I have spinach on hand, I can pretty much make this salad at a moment's notice.
b) availability- During the winter, the grocery store doesn't always carry the best looking fresh berries. But I find that the frozen berries are always very flavourful!
c) the berry juice- After you make this salad with frozen berries, you'll see that the juices that come of the berries when they thaw and mix with the dressing, soak into the goat cheese and fill in the crevices of the pecans make this salad the BEST!
The Ingredients
- Spinach- I like to use baby spinach but regular spinach works as well- if the leaves are large, roughly chop it.
- Frozen Berries- Thaw your favourite mixture (I like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries) of frozen berries, chop if needed and toss them in (including the juices from melting!). If you have fresh berries on hand, you can definitely use those instead!
- Red Onion- You can substitute white or green onions. Or you can leave it out.
- Goat Cheese- Feta or gorgonzola would be other tasty options.
- Toasted Pecans- Feel free to use a different nut such as walnuts, almonds or cashews or a combination. Or try some Honey Roasted Cashews instead.
- Maple Balsamic Poppyseed Dressing
The Method
1. Prepare the ingredients.
- Spinach- Wash and dry. Chop if the pieces are large.
- Berries- Thaw if using frozen. Cut or slice larger berries.
- Red Onion- Finely chop and place in a bowl with cold water for 10 minutes. This helps to reduce some of the "bite".
- Goat Cheese- Crumble.
- Pecans- Toast and Chop. Place the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast at 350F for 3-5 minutes. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly. They are done when they are slightly darkened and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes and then roughly chop or crumple into chunks.
- Dressing- Mix together.
2. Mix. Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.
3. Serve immediately.
Leftovers
Make Ahead: Salad can be assembled, left undressed and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day in advance. Add the dressing just before serving.
To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Make it Your Own
The beauty of salads is that you can easily add, change or omit ingredients as you see fit! Some suggestions:
- Change up the Greens- Use kale, arugula, leaf lettuce or a combination instead of spinach.
- Add Meat- Make it a meal by adding some protein such as a diced or shredded chicken breast or pulled pork.
- Use Different Fruit- Blackberries, peaches, cherries, mango or pineapple would all be tasty!
- Add Grains- To give the salad more substance, you could add 1-2 cups of cooked grains such as farro or quinoa. You may want to double the dressing.
- Mix in Avocado- Dice one avocado into chunks and add with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add Boiled Eggs- Hard boil 2-4 eggs and slice or cut into chunks and add them to the salad.
- Include Bacon- Cook and chop 2-4 slices of bacon to add them to the salad or add ¼ cup of bacon bits.
- Make it Dairy Free- Omit the cheese.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy this salad as a side to:
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Recipe Card
Berry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach washed
- ¾ cup frozen berries thawed and chopped
- 2 tablespoon red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup toasted pecans chopped
- 1 oz goat cheese crumbled
Maple Balsamic Poppyseed Dressing
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
Make the dressing.
- Whisk together the avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, poppyseeds, sea salt and pepper.
Mix the salad.
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
More Salads!
Toni says
Oh wow!! I love how easy and delicious this salad looks! Will definitely give it a try!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Toni!
Vicky says
This makes a great light side or meal on a hot summer day. I will add some chicken for added protein. I'm loving all the fresh berries!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Vicky!
Cathleen says
Wow, this salad is perfect for the summer! I am obsessed with making this! My in-laws are coming over for dinner tonight and I'm sure that it will be a hit!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoy this recipe, Cathleen!
Beth says
I love the sweetness of the berries with the creaminess of the goat cheese in this salad. Yum!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this salad, Beth!
Tayler says
I'm always looking for new salads to try during summer, and this looks like the perfect one! Thanks so much for sharing!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Tayler!
Shelby says
This is such a staple for me! So easy to whip up and I feel good knowing I've got some veggies in. My girls and I actually use frozen berries too and it's so refreshing!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoy this recipe, Shelby!
Donny says
OK, this recipe was blowing my mind because I never knew you could make a salad with frozen berries! I always have frozen berries on hand so I made this with blue cheese and it was so good!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this salad, Donny! Thank you for your kind review.
ChihYu says
This is the perfect summer salad! Juicy fruits, cool spinach and the delicious nuts and cheese! Love the variation suggestions!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, ChihYu!
Stacey says
Berries, goat cheese, and pecans will sell me on a salad every time! The maple balsamic dressing is also delish.
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Stacey!
jennifer says
I make a berry salad frequently but never thought to use frozen berries THIS WAS GENIUS and I did love how the juices transformed into dressing.
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Jennifer!
Megan says
Such a delicious dressing, and this is so pretty. I like the salad with romaine lettuce, too!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Megan!
nancy says
i love this easy mixed berry salad. the berries gives it a wonderful tart and sweet flavour and is super refreshing!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Nancy!