Name: Berry Spinach Salad With Blueberries, Raspberries, Mandarins, Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup fresh raspberries; 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained); 1/3 cup pecans; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; For the balsamic dressing:; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

I love this berry spinach salad because it’s fresh, colorful, and full of contrast in every bite. The sweetness of the berries and mandarins pairs beautifully with the earthy spinach, crunchy pecans, and salty feta. It’s the kind of salad I enjoy making when I want something light but still satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it feels elegant while being incredibly easy to prepare. I enjoy how the mix of textures keeps it interesting, and the balsamic dressing ties everything together perfectly. It works well as a side dish or as a light main meal when I want something refreshing and balanced.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh spinach
Blueberries
Raspberries
Mandarin orange segments
Pecans
Feta cheese

For the balsamic dressing
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

I start by washing and thoroughly drying the spinach, then placing it in a large salad bowl.

I gently add the blueberries, raspberries, and mandarin segments, being careful not to crush the fruit. I sprinkle the pecans and crumbled feta evenly over the top.

In a small bowl or jar, I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Just before serving, I drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.

Servings And Timing

This salad makes about 4 servings.
Preparation takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and there is no cooking required, which makes it one of my favorite quick dishes to put together.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken or salmon when I want to make it more filling. When I’m in the mood for extra crunch, I swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. I also like adding sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer serving this salad fresh. If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. I keep the dressing separate whenever possible to prevent the spinach from wilting. I don’t reheat this salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I prep all the ingredients ahead and assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use frozen berries?

I don’t recommend frozen berries because they release too much moisture once thawed.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

I like using goat cheese or blue cheese as alternatives.

Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, I consider this salad vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

I enjoy serving it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this Berry Spinach Salad because it’s vibrant, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want something simple yet impressive, and it always feels like a dish worth sharing.