If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad bursting with flavor, the Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad brilliantly combines tender baby spinach, juicy berries, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing that elevates every bite. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also packed with nutrients and perfect for any season. Whether as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, it’s guaranteed to brighten up your meal and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each fresh ingredient plays a key role in balancing textures and flavors, making every bite exciting and wholesome.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing, adding tanginess and richness without heaviness.
- Milk: Lightens the dressing to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the tartness of the berries beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the dressing’s flavor.
- Poppy seeds: Bring a delightful crunch and a mild nutty flavor to the dressing.
- Fresh baby spinach: The salad’s green base, tender and nutrient-rich, providing a vibrant backdrop.
- Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, they add both color and a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Roasted salted walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and a toasty contrast to the softness of the berries and spinach.
- Raspberries: Their bright tartness perfectly balances the sweetness from honey and berries.
- Blueberries: A juicy, antioxidant-rich addition that adds dimension and color.
- Goat cheese: Crumbled on top for a tangy, creamy finish that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greek Yogurt Dressing
Start by whisking together the plain Greek yogurt, milk, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds in a small bowl. This dressing is the magic that dresses the spinach and berries, giving the salad a luscious balance of creamy texture and bright flavor. Whisk until smooth and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
Grab a large salad bowl and add the fresh baby spinach as your base. Next, gently toss in the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Each berry adds a burst of juiciness and color, making this salad visually irresistible. Don’t forget to add the roasted salted walnuts for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the prepared Greek yogurt dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently. The goal here is to coat every leaf and berry lightly without bruising the delicate fruits. This step ensures you get a harmonious blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy in each forkful.
Step 4: Top with Crumbled Goat Cheese
Sprinkle the goat cheese over the dressed salad just before serving. The tangy, creamy cheese adds a luxurious finish that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. Your Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top can elevate the presentation and add that extra burst of flavor. A light drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon juice over the salad can also add an appealing shine and enhance the taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a savory quiche. Its lightness and freshness offer a perfect counterpoint to richer mains, but it also works beautifully as a stand-alone lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual bowls or mason jars for an elegant, portable option. Layering the spinach, berries, walnuts, and dressing separately until serving keeps everything fresh and vibrant. You can also add edible flowers or mint leaves for an eye-catching twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the spinach and berries from becoming soggy. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days for optimum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the delicate berries and dressing texture change upon thawing. It’s always better to prepare it fresh or store components separately for longer shelf life.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. To enjoy leftovers, simply take out the salad, add fresh dressing, and toss gently again before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well and add a similar crunch, but roasted walnuts provide a unique flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the berries.
Is it possible to make the dressing without honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as natural sweetener substitutes, or omit it entirely if you prefer a tangier dressing.
Can I add protein to make this salad a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas make fantastic additions and turn this salad into a satisfying, balanced entree.
How long does the dressing keep in the fridge?
The Greek yogurt dressing can be stored in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days and whisked again before using.
Can I use frozen berries for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh berries to maintain the crisp texture, but if frozen berries are your only option, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
The Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe is a dazzling mix of flavors and textures that feels like a special treat but comes together so easily. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients bring joy to any meal, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I encourage you to give it a try and share this deliciously healthy salad with your friends and family—it’s one recipe that truly shines every time.
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Spinach Berry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 salads
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Spinach Berry Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, mixed berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy honey Dijon poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- â…“ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Salad
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup strawberries (halved, diced, or quartered)
- â…“ cup roasted salted walnuts
- ¼ cup raspberries
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 2 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, milk, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined to make a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the fresh baby spinach with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, roasted salted walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the walnuts lightly before adding them.
- Use fresh, firm berries for best texture and flavor.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent spinach from wilting.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese according to your preference.
- To make it vegan, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit goat cheese.
