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This bright and lively Spinach Berry Salad is my top pick when I want something simple for lunch or have friends over last minute. Soft spinach meets sweet berries, crunchy apples, creamy cheese, and a super easy homemade strawberry poppy seed dressing. To cap it all off, there’s crunchy caramelized pistachios that steal the show—everyone raves when it's on the table.
The first time this salad hit our picnic table, the crowd gobbled up every bite. It’s always the caramelized nuts everyone talks about—they never last long!
Lively Ingredients
- Feta cheese crumbles: adds a salty smooth bite, so go with a fresh block for the best taste
- Caramelized roasted salted pistachios: these are the finishing crunch—caramelize them just before tossing in
- Dry minced onion flakes optional: toss in for extra savory flavor if you'd like
- Poppy seeds and sesame seeds: they bump up the texture with a subtle nuttiness—use them fresh if you can
- Apple cider vinegar: brings tang and brightness; use a fun flavored one if you want deeper flavor
- Sugar: helps even out any sourness; feel free to adjust if you like it sweeter
- Milk: makes your dressing just the right consistency—use any kind you have
- Sour cream: adds a thick tangy feel; full-fat makes it richer
- Mayonnaise: throws in creamy smoothness, splurge on a good one for best results
- Strawberry yogurt: forms the creamy fruity base for the dressing; check the ingredients so it’s silky (not gelatinous)
- Kiwi optional: for tropical hints; choose kiwis that are just a little soft
- Sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Gala: these give a juicy crunch—pick ones that feel heavy and firm
- Red onion thinly sliced: brings a little bite; look for skins that shine and no soft spots
- Raspberries: offer gentle tang, so be careful not to squish when mixing
- Blueberries: give a tart and sweet combo—choose nice dark blue and plump berries
- Strawberries sliced: these add pops of juiciness—pick ripe and fragrant ones
- Baby spinach leaves: tender greens that hold up well to dressing; grab the freshest you can find
Easy Step-By-Step
- Dress and Enjoy:
- Want to eat it now? Stir in just enough dressing to coat and toss softly to not squash the berries. Sprinkle caramelized nuts and feta on top just before eating. If you're packing lunch, add dressing later so it stays crisp. A bit of black pepper on top makes it pop.
- Layer the Salad:
- Start with the spinach leaves on the bottom of your big bowl. Next, toss in your strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apple chunks, red onion, and kiwi if you’re using it. Use your hands to gently tumble it all together, and don’t press down so you keep everything looking and tasting fresh.
- Get That Dressing Ready:
- Into your blender goes strawberry yogurt, mayo, sour cream, milk, sugar, vinegar, and onion flakes. Blend until it looks thick and smooth. Drop in poppy and sesame seeds at the very end, then pulse just to mix. Tweak it—more vinegar or sugar as your tastebuds like. Pour in a splash of milk if you want it thinner.
- Make Crunchy Pistachios:
- Set a pan on medium heat. Toss in your pistachios and sugar. Give them a stir now and then. Once the sugar melts and they look golden and smell awesome, dump onto parchment to cool. Don’t skip this step—it really brings the wow factor.
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I think feta pulls everything together here. It just melts in and gives every mouthful a cool tangy zip. My nephew tried it once, now making this salad together is our yearly berry season ritual—he won't let me do it alone!
How To Store
If you want to keep this around for more than one meal, leave off the dressing until you’re ready to eat. The spinach and fruits can sit in a tightly sealed box in your fridge for a couple days. Stash the dressing in its own jar in the fridge for three days. Put the caramelized pistachios in an airtight jar or bag at room temperature so they don’t lose their crunch.
Swap-Out Ideas
No pistachios? No worries—caramelized walnuts or pecans are just as tasty. If you’re out of feta, reach for creamy ricotta or some goat cheese. Don’t have strawberry yogurt? Mix regular Greek yogurt with some fresh berries in the blender. Switch up the fruit with pears or mandarin slices if you want something different.
Serving Thoughts
Bring this to brunch or a backyard picnic—it’s a hit either way. Top it with some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a fuller meal. Goes down extra nice with a bubbly soda or light wine. Got extra? Spoon leftovers into a wrap for an easy meal on the go.
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About Its Roots
Throwing fruit and spinach together in salads started as a European summertime staple. This creamy poppy seed dressing borrows from classic Midwest American flavors. The sweet, crunchy nuts on top are a little nod to the kind of festive salads you find on special days in France or Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I prep salad parts before I eat?
Totally! Go ahead and slice fruit, candy the pistachios, and mix up the sauce the day before. Just wait until mealtime to toss everything so your salad stays crisp and tasty.
- → What can I use if I skip candied pistachios?
Try toasted pecans, roasted walnuts, or plain pistachios if you want less sweetness or just to mix things up.
- → How do I make it fill me up more?
Throw in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas if you want a big meal instead of a quick side.
- → ideas for a lighter sauce?
Switch the mayo for Greek yogurt and take down the sugar to give your sauce a tangy, lighter vibe.
- → How do I skip the dairy?
Just skip the feta and grab a non-dairy yogurt for the sauce. Easy swap and still yummy.
- → Got fruit swap ideas?
Go wild with pears, blackberries, or toss in mandarin orange segments. Mix and match what you like!