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- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried - 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced I love using fresh spinach leaves as the base for this salad. They bring a bright green color and a crisp texture. The mixed berries add sweetness and a pop of color, making the salad look inviting. You can use any berries you have on hand. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work well together. The red onion gives a nice sharpness that balances the sweetness of the berries. - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, allowed to cool - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped into small pieces - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Quinoa is a great superfood. It adds protein and makes the salad more filling. I always let it cool before adding it. Chia seeds are tiny but mighty. They boost nutrition and add a fun crunch. Walnuts provide a hearty bite and healthy fats. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty flavor. Together, these ingredients create a satisfying mix. - 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette - Salt and pepper, to taste The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy flavor. I drizzle it over the salad just before serving. Always taste before you season. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can enhance the flavors. You can make your dressing or use store-bought for ease. For the full recipe, check out the Berry Spinach Superfood Salad section. 1. Start with a large salad bowl. Place 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves in it. This forms the base layer. The bright green color makes the salad inviting. 2. Next, take 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa that has cooled. Evenly spread it over the spinach. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and protein to the mix. 3. Now, add 1 cup of mixed berries. Use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Disperse them evenly. The berries bring sweetness and a pop of color. 4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts across the salad. They add a nice crunch. 5. Crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese on top. This brings a creamy texture that balances the crunch of the walnuts. 6. Add 1/4 cup of finely sliced red onion. This adds a sharp flavor. 7. Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chia seeds over the salad. These are superfoods that boost nutrition. 8. Now, pour 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette all over the salad. Carefully toss the ingredients. Be gentle to avoid bruising the spinach. 9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference. For serving, you can use a large bowl for a family-style meal. For individual servings, divide the salad into smaller bowls. Garnish each plate with extra berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds. This adds to the visual appeal. Use the [Full Recipe] for more details on making this delicious salad. If you want to switch things up, you can easily change the greens. Try kale or arugula for a new taste. They both add nice flavors and textures. For the berries, you have many options. You can use blackberries, cherries, or even diced mango. Each choice brings a unique twist to the salad. This salad pairs well with protein options. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions. You’ll get a full meal with these proteins. Berry spinach superfood salad is perfect for many occasions. Serve it at picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Its bright colors make it a hit at any gathering. To boost flavor, consider adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can work wonders. They add warmth and depth to the salad. Toppings can add a fun crunch. Try sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas for texture. You can even add crispy bacon for a savory kick. For the full recipe, check out the Berry Spinach Superfood Salad! {{image_4}} You can change the fruits in this salad with the seasons. In summer, use fruits like peaches or nectarines. These fruits add a juicy sweetness and a lovely texture. In the fall, swap in apples or pears. These fruits bring a crisp bite and complement the spinach well. If you follow a vegan diet, replace feta cheese with avocado. It adds creaminess without the dairy. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a lighter option. For those needing gluten-free options, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the quinoa is certified gluten-free. To make this salad heartier, add proteins like grilled chicken or tofu. Both options boost the protein content and keep you full longer. You can also play with dressings. Try a honey mustard or a lemon-tahini dressing for a fresh twist. Each dressing changes the flavor and gives a new twist on the classic salad. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your Berry Spinach Superfood Salad fresh, store the salad components separately. Place the spinach, quinoa, and berries in different containers. This method prevents sogginess and keeps flavors bright. You can add the nuts and feta just before serving. This way, you enjoy the crunch and creaminess every time. In the fridge, this salad lasts about three days. After that, the spinach may wilt, and the berries might spoil. Do not freeze the salad. Freezing changes the texture of spinach and berries. If you want to save quinoa, you can freeze it for later use. If you want to use leftover quinoa in a new salad, mix it with fresh ingredients. This adds a new flavor and keeps the dish exciting. For reheating quinoa, add a splash of water and microwave it for about one minute. This keeps it fluffy and tasty. Enjoy your leftovers with new twists! For the full recipe, refer back to the Berry Spinach Superfood Salad section. To keep your spinach salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the greens crisp. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. If you want the best taste, eat the salad within two days. Yes, you can use other nuts in this salad. Almonds, pecans, or cashews work well. Each nut adds a unique flavor and crunch. Just chop them into small pieces before adding. This keeps the texture nice and even. To make the salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess. Another option is to use a dairy-free cheese. This keeps the flavors rich without animal products. Enjoy the same great taste while following a vegan diet! For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this blog post, we explored fresh ingredients for a vibrant salad. We used spinach, berries, quinoa, and topped it off with walnuts and feta. I shared easy steps for preparation and tips for serving and presentation. Variations, dietary options, and storage advice were also included. Remember, creativity makes cooking fun. Don't hesitate to add your own twists! Enjoy making this nutritious salad that fits any occasion.

Berry Spinach Superfood Salad

Elevate your meal with this delicious Berry Spinach Superfood Salad! Packed with fresh spinach, mixed berries, quinoa, and topped with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta, this vibrant salad is not just visually appealing but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Perfect for a quick lunch or side dish, it’s ready in just 10 minutes! Click through to discover this refreshing recipe and make your day healthier and more colorful.

Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried

1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)

1/2 cup cooked quinoa, allowed to cool

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped into small pieces

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Start by selecting a large salad bowl and lay in the fresh spinach leaves to form a vibrant green base.

    Evenly distribute the cooled cooked quinoa over the top of the spinach, ensuring each leaf is complemented by the grain's nutty goodness.

      Carefully scatter the mixed berries across the salad for a splash of color and sweetness, making sure they are well-dispersed.

        Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the salad, adding a delightful crunch, followed by the crumbled feta cheese for a creamy contrast.

          Top the salad with the finely sliced red onion and the chia seeds, incorporating both visual appeal and superfood benefits.

            Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the entire salad, and gently toss the ingredients together, taking care to avoid bruising the tender spinach leaves.

              Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference for flavor balance.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large bowl, or divide it into individual servings. Consider garnishing each plate with additional berries and a sprinkling of chia seeds, creating an enticing look that elevates the dining experience.