By Berry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Berry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Berry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Salad:
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup mandarin orange segments
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Balsamic Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until emulsified and well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, layer the baby spinach, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin orange segments, and toasted pecans.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for a creamy, savory finish.
Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately and enjoy this colorful, flavorful dish!
Pro Tips:
Substitute goat cheese or gorgonzola if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
For more crunch, add sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: ~250 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
