Name: Berry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups baby spinach; 1 cup strawberries, halved; 1/2 cup raspberries; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled; 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped; 1/2 recipe raspberry vinaigrette

Jump to Recipe

A fresh Berry Spinach Salad brings bright color, clean flavor, and effortless preparation to the table. This salad fits busy weeknights, warm-weather lunches, and last-minute gatherings because it comes together in minutes. Juicy berries, tender spinach, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans balance sweet and savory notes in every bite. Even better, the raspberry vinaigrette ties everything together with a light tang that never overpowers the fruit. If you enjoy quick recipes that still feel special, this salad delivers freshness, texture, and balance without complication.

Story

I first started making Berry Spinach Salad during early summer when berries flooded the market and meals needed to stay light. At that time, I wanted something refreshing yet filling, so I combined baby spinach with ripe fruit and a simple dressing. Since then, Berry Spinach Salad has become my go-to for picnics, quick lunches, and easy dinners. Because it takes only minutes, I can prepare it anytime without planning ahead. Over the years, I refined the balance of fruit, cheese, and crunch, and now this Berry Spinach Salad always earns compliments. It feels seasonal, colorful, and satisfying, which makes it a staple whenever fresh berries appear.

Ingredients

6 cups baby spinach
1 cup strawberries, halved
½ cup raspberries
½ cup blueberries
⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
½ recipe raspberry vinaigrette

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing and drying the baby spinach thoroughly, as dry leaves help the dressing coat evenly. Next, halve the strawberries, check the raspberries and blueberries for softness, and slice the red onion very thin. Finally, roughly chop the pecans and crumble the goat cheese so everything stays ready for quick assembly.

Cooking Instructions

Place the spinach, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, red onion, goat cheese, and pecans into a large mixing bowl. Then, drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until everything mixes evenly. Serve immediately while the spinach stays crisp and the berries remain fresh.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overdressing the salad, because too much vinaigrette can weigh down the spinach quickly. Also, skip tossing too far in advance, since berries release juice and soften when they sit. Thinly slicing the onion matters as well, because thick slices overpower the delicate fruit.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Toast the pecans lightly for deeper flavor and extra crunch before adding them. Additionally, let the goat cheese sit at room temperature briefly, as this helps it mix more smoothly throughout the salad. For variety, this goat cheese salad pairs well with arugula blended into the spinach.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve this salad on its own for a light meal or alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for added protein. It also works well at brunch or potlucks because the colors stand out beautifully. As a summer fruit salad, it complements warm-weather menus with ease.

How to Store Leftovers

This salad tastes best fresh, since spinach wilts once dressed. For advance prep, store all ingredients separately in airtight containers and combine just before serving. When stored this way, everything stays fresh for up to three days.

Conclusion

This Berry Spinach Salad proves that simple ingredients can create impressive results. With sweet berries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans, each bite feels balanced and refreshing. Because it takes only minutes, you can enjoy it anytime fresh produce shines. Give it a try, and you may find yourself making it all season long.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and keep them separate. When you are ready to eat, toss everything together with the dressing to keep the spinach crisp.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta cheese works well as a substitute and still provides a creamy, tangy contrast. For a dairy-free option, avocado slices add richness without cheese.

Does this salad work for meal prep?

This salad suits short-term meal prep if you store components separately. Once combined, it works best when eaten right away.