30-Minute Summer Salad

Summer just got a whole lot brighter (and tastier!) with this vibrant 30-Minute Summer Salad with Spinach and Berries. This quick and easy salad is bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it the perfect light meal or side dish for any occasion. Inspired by sunny days and farmers’ market finds, this salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of this delightful creation!

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Summer Salad

This 30-Minute Summer Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with reasons to make it your go-to summer meal!

  • Ready in a Flash: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes!
  • Bursting with Flavor: Sweet berries, tangy oranges, and salty feta create a symphony of taste.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite fruits, nuts, and cheeses.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Beautiful Presentation: The colorful ingredients make it a visually stunning dish.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
  • Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with minimal effort.

You’ll love how the fresh aroma fills your kitchen and how each bite is a burst of summer in your mouth!

Ingredients Needed for Your Summer Salad

Here’s everything you need to create this sensational 30-Minute Summer Salad. Let’s gather the ingredients and get started!

  • Fresh Baby Spinach: 6 cups (approx. 170g). Choose vibrant green leaves, avoiding any wilted or yellowing spinach.
  • Mixed Berries: 1 cup (approx. 150g) of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Fresh is best, but frozen (and thawed) berries work in a pinch!
  • Mandarin Oranges: 1/2 cup (approx. 75g), drained. Look for segments packed in their own juice, not syrup, for a healthier option.
  • Pecans: 1/4 cup (approx. 30g), roughly chopped. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan to unlock their nutty flavor.
  • Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup (approx. 30g), crumbled. Opt for a block of feta in brine for the best flavor and texture.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity note to the dressing.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml). A good quality balsamic vinegar will have a complex, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Honey: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Use local honey for an extra touch of sweetness and local goodness.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml). Sea salt or kosher salt are great choices.
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml). Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.

For the best results, source your berries and spinach from your local farmer’s market for peak freshness and flavor.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze – A similar salad with a balsamic glaze twist!

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these simple tools to whip up this delightful salad.

  • Large Salad Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: To whisk the dressing.
  • Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients.
  • Knife: For slicing the strawberries.
  • Cutting Board: To protect your countertop while slicing.

A good salad spinner is also handy for ensuring your spinach is perfectly dry, preventing a soggy salad.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when making this 30-Minute Summer Salad:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd or halve for a solo meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own refreshing 30-Minute Summer Salad. Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Spinach

  1. Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. This is crucial to prevent a soggy salad. A salad spinner works wonders!
  2. Place the clean, dry spinach in a large salad bowl.

Add the Berries and Oranges

  1. Slice the strawberries, if using, into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and drained mandarin oranges to the salad bowl. The vibrant colors are already making this salad irresistible!

Sprinkle the Toppings

  1. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the salad. The nutty pecans and salty feta add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Prepare the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Whisk vigorously to emulsify the dressing for the best flavor.

Dress and Serve

  1. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh summer salad!

CHECK OUT: Watermelon Salad with Feta – Another refreshing salad perfect for summer!

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to make your 30-Minute Summer Salad even better!

  • Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
  • Toast the Pecans: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference in taste.
  • Dry the Spinach Well: Excess moisture will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
  • Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and cheeses to create your perfect salad.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations for your 30-Minute Summer Salad!

  • Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
  • Swap the Cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese are delicious alternatives to feta.
  • Try Different Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can be used instead of pecans.
  • Vary the Berries: Add blackberries or other seasonal berries for a unique flavor.
  • Make it Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Your Summer Salad

Complete your summer meal with these delightful pairings!

  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: Adds protein and makes it a heartier meal.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious dressing.
  • Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing and light beverage.
  • Light Vinaigrette: Enhances the fresh flavors of the salad.
  • Colorful, quick & easy summer salad.

    Health Benefits

    This 30-Minute Summer Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious!

    • Spinach: Rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants.
    • Berries: Packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body against damage from free radicals.
    • Pecans: A good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E.
    • Feta Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.

    This salad is a fantastic way to boost your intake of essential nutrients and support overall health.

    Storage & Reheating

    Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftover salad.

    • Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
    • Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so reheating is not recommended.
    • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the spinach and berries will become soggy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

    Can I use different types of berries?

    Absolutely! Feel free to use any combination of your favorite berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, or cranberries.

    Can I substitute the feta cheese?

    Yes, goat cheese, blue cheese, or a vegan feta alternative would all work well in this salad.

    How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

    Make sure to dry the spinach thoroughly after washing and add the dressing just before serving.

    Can I add protein to this salad?

    Yes, grilled chicken, fish, or tofu would be great additions to make it a more substantial meal.

    Nutritional Information

    • Calories: 250
    • Protein: 6g
    • Carbs: 20g
    • Fat: 18g
    • Fiber: 5g

    Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

    More Delicious Dishes to Explore

    Craving more salads? Check out these equally delightful recipes!

    Conclusion

    This 30-Minute Summer Salad with Spinach and Berries is the perfect combination of fresh, flavorful, and fast. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the best of summer’s bounty. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

    Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Refreshing 30-Minute Summer Salad with Berries & Feta

    30-Minute Summer Salad


    • Author: Lorena
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x

    Description

    A quick and easy summer salad bursting with fresh spinach, sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and salty feta in a tangy balsamic dressing.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 6 cups fresh baby spinach
    • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
    • 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
    • 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
    • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly, then place it in a large salad bowl.
    2. Slice the strawberries if using and add them to the bowl along with the other berries and mandarin oranges.
    3. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
    4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
    5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
    6. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh summer salad.

    Notes

    • Make Ahead: Prepare ingredients ahead of time, but dress just before serving.
    • Variations: Add avocado, swap cheese, or try different nuts.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Salad
    • Method: No-Cook
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 250
    • Sugar: 15g
    • Sodium: 250mg
    • Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 20g
    • Fiber: 5g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 20mg

    Keywords: summer salad, spinach salad, berry salad, feta salad, quick salad, healthy salad, easy salad

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating