A Fresh Salad with Spinach, Blueberries, Raspberries, Mandarin Oranges, Pecans, Feta & Honey-Balsamic Dressing
A Fresh Salad with Spinach, Blueberries, Raspberries, Mandarin Oranges, Pecans, Feta & Honey-Balsamic Dressing is a colorful and vibrant dish that celebrates the freshness of seasonal produce. This salad captivates with its combination of tender spinach leaves, juicy fruits, and crunchy pecans, all elevated by a delightful honey-balsamic dressing. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with contrasting textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe is perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a side at gatherings with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Fresh Salad with Spinach for several wonderful reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prep, making it an excellent option for busy days or spontaneous gatherings. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make every bite feel refreshing and satisfying. With minimal components, it combines a delightful mix of sweetness from the berries and mandarin oranges, nuttiness from the pecans, and creaminess from the feta cheese, all while being dressed in a simple yet flavorful dressing. This recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and can easily adapt to various tastes, ensuring that everyone will leave the table happy.
Ingredients
Raspberries (1/2 cup): Juicy, plump, and bursting with flavor, raspberries bring a tart sweetness to the salad, enhancing the overall taste.
Baby spinach (4 cups): Tender and vibrant, the spinach leaves form a beautiful base, providing essential nutrients and a mild, fresh flavor that complements the fruits.
Mandarin orange slices (fresh or canned) (1/2 cup): Sweet and citrusy, mandarin oranges add a succulent juiciness that elevates the salad to new heights.
Toasted pecans (1/4 cup): Crunchy and nutty, toasted pecans introduce a satisfying texture and enriching flavor that contrasts perfectly with the soft fruit.
Crumbled feta (1/4 cup): Creamy and tangy, feta cheese brings a rich, savory element that balances the sweetness of the salad beautifully.
Blueberries (1/2 cup): Sweet, plump, and antioxidant-rich, blueberries enhance the salad’s flavor profile while adding bursts of juicy goodness.
Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp): Rich and tangy, balsamic vinegar provides the perfect acidic kick for the dressing, balancing out the sweetness of the fruits.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Smooth and rich, olive oil carries flavor and enhances the dressing’s mouthfeel, making every bite a delight.
Honey (1 tbsp): Naturally sweet, honey adds depth to the dressing, harmonizing the flavors of the salad without overpowering them.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simply add these seasonings to bring the entire dish together, elevating the flavors of both the dressing and the salad itself.
Step-by-Step Directions
Toast the Pecans: Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they become aromatic and golden brown. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well combined. Add salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the dressing has a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach as the base. Layer the spinach with the blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin orange slices, creating a beautiful medley of colors.
Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Tricks
Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best possible flavor, select the freshest spinach, berries, and citrus fruits. This will elevate the taste of the salad immensely.
Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add or substitute other fruits based on what’s in season or what you enjoy. Strawberries, apples, or even avocado can be great alternatives.
Make Ahead: To save time, prepare the dressing and toast the pecans ahead of time. Simply assemble the salad the day you plan to serve it.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Fresh Salad with Spinach is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side salad with grilled chicken or fish, or make it the star of your table by adding protein such as chickpeas or shrimp. It’s also perfect for potlucks, summer picnics, or light spring and summer dinners. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with some crusty garlic bread or a slice of quiche.
Nutritional Information
This Fresh Salad with Spinach is not only delicious but also healthy! One serving contains approximately 250 calories, with the following nutritional benefits:
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin C: High in antioxidants, thanks to the berries and mandarin oranges.
This salad delivers a perfect balance of nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store any leftovers, keep the prepared components separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing can last up to a week when stored separately as well!
For variations, consider substituting the berries with any seasonal fruit. Adding grains like quinoa or farro can make the salad more filling if desired, while fresh herbs like mint or basil can bring a zest of flavor.
Conclusion
A Fresh Salad with Spinach, Blueberries, Raspberries, Mandarin Oranges, Pecans, Feta & Honey-Balsamic Dressing is an exceptional dish that combines freshness, flavor, and nutrition in every bite. It’s a celebration of simple yet delightful ingredients that everyone can enjoy. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delicious unity of textures and flavors in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience, modifications, or any creative twists you’ve added!
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and toast the pecans in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens and fruits.
2. How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing is already vegan-friendly, but you might want to ensure no dairy is used in your feta replacement.
3. What are some good protein additions for this salad?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs are excellent additions to make this salad more filling.
4. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Fresh Salad are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerances.
5. How long does the honey-balsamic dressing last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the dressing can last up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep!
Fresh Spinach Salad with Fruits and Nuts
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Baby spinach Tender and vibrant, forms a beautiful base.
- 1/2 cup Raspberries Juicy and bursting with flavor.
- 1/2 cup Blueberries Sweet and antioxidant-rich.
- 1/2 cup Mandarin orange slices Adds sweetness and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup Toasted pecans Crunchy and nutty, for texture.
- 1/4 cup Crumbled feta Creamy and tangy for richness.
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar Provides a rich and tangy kick.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Enhances the mouthfeel of the dressing.
- 1 tbsp Honey Adds natural sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper To taste, elevates the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until aromatic and golden brown, then set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, add the baby spinach as the base and layer with blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin orange slices.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans and crumbled feta over the top.
- Drizzle with the honey-balsamic dressing just before serving.