Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines sweet berries with creamy feta and nutritious spinach. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal on busy weekdays. Its delightful mix of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for health-conscious eaters and anyone looking to enjoy a delicious salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad can be ready in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh berries, tangy feta, and zesty lemon juice creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish, or add protein for a complete meal. It’s suitable for various occasions—brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from spinach and antioxidants from berries, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the salad make it visually appealing, enhancing any dining table.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad effortless. Basic kitchen equipment will help you create this delicious dish quickly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Salad tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
- Salad tongs: Makes tossing the salad easy, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Knife: Essential for slicing the fresh strawberries and blueberries with precision.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for cutting fruits safely.
Ingredients
Macros per serving:
• 224 Calories
• 25g of Fat
• 5g of Protein
• 8g of Net Carbs
For the Salad Base
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Toppings
- 3/4 cup fresh sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1.5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Place the spinach in a large bowl. Toss it gently with olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor.
Step 2: Add Dressing Ingredients
Add fresh lemon juice and pepper to the spinach mixture. Toss again until all leaves are well coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Divide the dressed spinach between two salad plates. Top each plate with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
Enjoy your refreshing Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad!
How to Serve Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Serving Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is simple yet elegant. This delightful salad pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, making it perfect for any occasion.
With a Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad for a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the berries.
As a Light Lunch
- Serve the salad on its own for a satisfying and nutritious lunch option that’s quick to prepare.
Topped with Grilled Chicken
- Add grilled chicken slices for extra protein and heartiness, making it an even more balanced meal.
Alongside Whole Grain Bread
- Pair the salad with slices of whole grain bread to enjoy a wholesome and filling meal.
With Nuts or Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top for added crunch and healthy fats that enhance flavor.
How to Perfect Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
To achieve the best version of Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips that elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always select fresh spinach, ripe berries, and high-quality feta cheese for optimal flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dressing before serving. You may want to add more salt or lemon juice based on your preference.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors.
- Experiment with Extras: Consider adding other fruits like raspberries or nuts like walnuts for variety.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange the berries and feta artfully on top of the spinach for an appealing visual effect.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the spinach crisp, add dressing right before you serve the salad.
Best Side Dishes for Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil make a colorful addition.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf can add heartiness while keeping the meal healthy.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted with herbs provide a sweet contrast to the tangy salad.
- Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus served with pita bread or veggies makes for a nutritious side.
- Cheese Board: A small cheese board featuring assorted cheeses can enhance your dining experience.
- Fruit Skewers: Seasonal fruit skewers offer a refreshing palate cleanser alongside your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your spinach and berries. Fresh ingredients enhance the taste and nutritional value of your salad.
- Overdressing the salad: Avoid pouring too much dressing on your salad. Start with a small amount and add more if needed; this keeps the greens crisp.
- Not seasoning properly: A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way. Be sure to season your salad adequately for balanced flavors.
- Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Don’t skip it; it brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Forgetting to toss gently: Tossing too aggressively can bruise your greens and berries. Use gentle movements to keep them intact.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best freshness.
Freezing Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it affects the texture of the spinach and berries.
- If you have leftovers, consider only freezing the feta cheese or other components separately.
Reheating Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Oven: Not recommended for reheating salads as they are meant to be served fresh.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will wilt the spinach and mush the berries.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; salads should be served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a delicious Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad.
Can I add nuts to my Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
Yes! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide crunch and additional nutrition.
What other fruits can I use in a Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad?
You can experiment with fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples for variety.
How do I make a different dressing for my salad?
Try mixing balsamic vinegar with olive oil for a sweet tangy dressing that complements the salad perfectly.
Is this Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with vitamins from spinach and antioxidants from berries, making it a nutritious choice.
Final Thoughts
The Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, perfect for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping in different fruits based on your preference. Give it a try today!
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish that combines the sweetness of fresh berries with creamy feta cheese and nutritious spinach. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick weekday meal, this salad delivers a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. With its colorful presentation and nutrient-packed ingredients, it appeals to health-conscious eaters and anyone craving a refreshing salad. Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, this recipe is versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light lunch, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup fresh sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1.5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss gently.
- Add fresh lemon juice and pepper to the bowl, tossing again until all leaves are evenly coated.
- Divide the dressed spinach between two plates, topping each with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 298mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
