Summery Spinach Salad Recipe
Introduction
This summery spinach salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for warm days. Combining tender spinach, sweet fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a simple yet flavorful salad that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (such as berries, apple slices, or orange segments)
- ½ cup nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds), roughly chopped
- ¼ cup vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or excess water.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, fresh fruit, and nuts.
- Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or crumbled feta cheese.
- Use seasonal fruits to keep the salad fresh and flavorful year-round.
- Swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
- Make your own vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey for a personalized touch.
Storage
Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the nuts crunchy. Leftover dressed salad is best eaten the same day and may lose texture if stored.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use baby spinach for this salad?
Yes, baby spinach works wonderfully and has a milder, tender texture that complements the fresh fruit and nuts.
What type of vinaigrette pairs best with this salad?
A light vinaigrette with a balance of acidity and sweetness, such as a balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette, enhances the flavors without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
PrintSummery Spinach Salad Recipe
A light and refreshing Summery Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach greens, a mix of seasonal fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a healthy side or a vibrant starter for warm weather meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh fruit (such as berries, sliced strawberries, or mandarin orange segments)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds), roughly chopped
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, fresh fruit, and chopped nuts.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls and enjoy fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use seasonal fresh fruits to keep the salad flavorful and vibrant.
- Toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- The vinaigrette can be adjusted to taste with more or less sweetness or acidity.
- This salad is best served immediately to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Feel free to add crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess if not avoiding dairy.
Keywords: summery spinach salad, fresh spinach salad, fruit and nut salad, easy vinaigrette salad, healthy summer salad
