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This vibrant Spinach Berry Salad is my go to for effortless entertaining or fresh weekday lunches. Crisp baby spinach is tossed with sweet berries crunchy apples and creamy cheese all tied together with a homemade strawberry poppy seed dressing. Finished with caramelized pistachios this salad truly tastes as good as it looks and never fails to impress guests and family alike.
The very first time I made this salad for a family picnic everyone wanted seconds and the bowl was wiped clean before dinner. Each time I make it the candied pistachios get special compliments.
Ingredients
- Baby spinach leaves: the tender base soak up dressing well Look for fresh bright leaves and avoid wilting
- Strawberries sliced: add juicy sweetness Always choose ripe strawberries with a sweet smell
- Blueberries: give subtle tartness Look for deep blue firm berries
- Raspberries: offer a delicate sweet tang Handle gently to avoid squishing
- Red onion thinly sliced: gives a gentle bite Choose onions with shiny skins and no soft spots
- Sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Gala: adds crisp crunch Opt for apples that feel firm and heavy
- Kiwi optional: boosts the tropical vibe Pick kiwis that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Strawberry yogurt: gives a fruity creamy base to the dressing Pick one without added gelatin for smooth blending
- Mayonnaise: adds silkiness Go for a high quality creamy mayo for best texture
- Sour cream: deepens the creamy tang Use full fat for richness
- Milk: thins out the dressing to perfect pourable consistency Any kind works
- Sugar: balances acidity Adjust to taste for sweeter or lighter dressing
- Apple cider vinegar: brightens and balances Flavored vinegar here offers extra depth
- Poppy seeds and sesame seeds: for texture and a nutty finish Make sure seeds are fresh for maximum aroma
- Dry minced onion flakes optional: add savory notes
- Caramelized roasted salted pistachios: the star crunch element For best flavor caramelize them just before using
- Feta cheese crumbles: deliver salty creaminess Always use fresh feta for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Pistachios:
- Prep a small skillet over medium heat Sprinkle in the pistachios and sugar Stir gently until the sugar melts and coats. Continue cooking until golden and fragrant then spread on parchment to cool completely This adds amazing crunch and a hint of sweetness that truly elevates the salad
- Blend the Dressing:
- Combine strawberry yogurt mayonnaise sour cream milk sugar apple cider vinegar and onion flakes in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy Add the poppy seeds and sesame seeds last and pulse briefly to combine Taste and tweak acidity with extra vinegar or sweetness with more sugar Thinning with a bit of milk gives a pourable consistency
- Assemble the Salad:
- Lay spinach leaves in a large serving bowl Add strawberries blueberries raspberries red onion apple and kiwi if using Toss gently by hand to combine being careful not to crush the berries This keeps the salad light with every bite full of texture and color
- Dress and Serve:
- If serving the salad immediately drizzle over your desired amount of dressing and toss gently just until coated. Sprinkle on the caramelized pistachios and feta crumbles right before serving For individual portions add the dressing after plating to prevent sogginess in leftovers Finish with a crack of black pepper for a fresh kick
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Feta is my favorite touch here for how it melts into the dressing giving a creamy tang that balances every bite. Once my nephew insisted on making this salad together and now he always insists on being my sous chef when berries are in season.
Storage Tips
Keep the salad base undressed if you plan to enjoy over a few days. Store spinach and fruit in a sealed container for up to two days. Keep dressing in a jar in the refrigerator up to three days and add just before serving. Store caramelized pistachios in a separate airtight bag or jar at room temperature to keep them crunchy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have pistachios try caramelized walnuts or pecans for the same sweet crunch. Goat cheese or creamy ricotta work well instead of feta. Greek yogurt can stand in for strawberry yogurt if you blend fresh berries into the mix. Try pears or mandarin segments if you want a new fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a colorful side at picnics or brunch. Top grilled chicken shrimp or tofu on a bed of this salad for a full meal. It pairs especially well with sparkling drinks and light white wines. I also love scooping leftover salad into a wrap for a fresh quick lunch.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Fruit and spinach salads have roots in European summer cuisine where fresh greens and berries meet in lighter fare. The creamy poppy seed dressing is a nod to classic American Midwest salad traditions. The candied nut topping adds that celebratory finish you often see in French and Italian salads for special occasions.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the fruits, caramelize pistachios, and prepare the dressing in advance. Assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → Are there alternatives to candied pistachios?
Toasted pecans, walnuts, or plain roasted pistachios add great crunch if preferred over candied pistachios.
- → What proteins can be added for a heartier salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make delicious protein additions if serving as a meal.
- → How can I make the dressing lighter?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and reduce the sugar for a lighter dressing with tangy flavor.
- → Can the salad be made dairy-free?
Omit feta and use dairy-free yogurt in the dressing for a tasty dairy-free version.
- → What fruits work well as substitutes?
Pear, mandarin oranges, or blackberries make great alternatives or additions for variety.