Spinach and Berry Salad Bowl (Printable)

Fresh spinach and mixed berries with goat cheese, toasted nuts, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette create a perfect light meal.

# What You Need:

→ Salad

01 - 5 oz fresh baby spinach
02 - 3.5 oz mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
03 - 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
04 - 1.75 oz toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Vinaigrette

06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash and dry the spinach leaves and berries thoroughly.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, berries, goat cheese, nuts, and red onion if using.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
05 - Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, which means you can make it on nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
  • The contrast of sweet berries, tangy goat cheese, and nutty crunch makes every bite feel intentional and satisfying.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it works for nearly anyone at your table without feeling like an afterthought.
02 -
  • Dress the salad at the last possible moment, or the spinach will wilt and the berries will release their juice, turning everything into a soggy pile.
  • The goat cheese needs to be at room temperature or it will clump instead of distribute; take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before assembling.
03 -
  • Buy spinach and berries on the day you plan to make this salad for peak freshness and texture.
  • Toast your own nuts in a dry skillet for two minutes if they weren't pre-toasted, and you'll taste the difference immediately.
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