This Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed dish that I love making when I want something healthy but full of flavor. It’s a colorful mix of crisp broccoli, tender spinach, juicy blueberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this salad brings together sweet, savory, and crunchy all in one bowl. The blueberries add a burst of natural sweetness, while the spinach and broccoli provide heartiness and a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for meal prep, summer picnics, or even as a light dinner. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, so I always feel great eating it.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh baby spinach
- Fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- Fresh blueberries
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- Feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- I start by steaming or blanching the broccoli for 1–2 minutes just to take the edge off, then I rinse it under cold water and pat it dry.
- In a large bowl, I combine the spinach, cooled broccoli, blueberries, red onion, and nuts.
- In a separate small bowl or jar, I whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything to coat evenly.
- I top the salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving.
Servings and timing
This salad serves about 4 people as a main or 6 as a side dish. It takes around 15–20 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the spinach for mixed greens or kale if that’s what I have on hand. For extra protein, I like adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. I’ve also made it with dried cranberries instead of blueberries when fresh berries aren’t available, and it still tastes great. Walnuts or pecans also work well in place of sunflower seeds.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If I know I’ll be saving some for later, I keep the dressing separate to prevent the spinach from wilting. Since it’s a cold salad, there’s no reheating required—just toss and enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the ingredients and store them separately. I combine them and add the dressing just before serving for the freshest texture.
Is it okay to eat raw broccoli in salad?
Definitely. I like giving it a quick steam or blanch for a softer bite, but it’s safe and delicious raw if chopped small.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded parmesan all work well in this salad depending on what flavor I’m going for.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
I keep the dressing on the side until just before serving. That way, the greens and nuts stay crisp.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
I prefer fresh for texture, but in a pinch, I’ve used thawed frozen blueberries—just be sure to drain them well to avoid watering down the salad.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is one of my favorite ways to eat fresh, wholesome ingredients in a totally satisfying way. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and texture, and endlessly adaptable to whatever I have in the kitchen. Whether I’m eating it for lunch or bringing it to a gathering, it always gets rave reviews.
PrintBlueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad
This Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish featuring fresh spinach, broccoli, blueberries, and crunchy nuts, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Finished with crumbled feta or goat cheese, it’s perfect as a healthy side, light lunch, or meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 as a main, 6 as a side
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (except optional broccoli blanching)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- 1/3 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Lightly steam or blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, broccoli, blueberries, red onion, and nuts.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey/maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with crumbled cheese just before serving.
Notes
- Keep the dressing separate if prepping ahead to prevent sogginess.
- Swap spinach for kale or mixed greens.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Dried cranberries or toasted pecans make great substitutions.
- Frozen blueberries can be used—just thaw and drain well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg