If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious way to brighten up your meals, this Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderful mix of crisp baby spinach, creamy avocado, and a medley of juicy berries all drizzled with a tangy, homemade white balsamic dressing. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors comes together in a salad that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect go-to dish for lunch, a light dinner, or a fancy side for your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key, but don’t worry — this salad relies on simple, whole foods that you might already have in your kitchen. Each component adds something special: the fresh berries bring a juicy sweetness, the spinach provides a fresh crunch and a boost of vitamins, and the avocado adds that creamy texture everyone loves.
- White balsamic vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds a delicate tanginess that brightens the entire salad without overpowering it.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Gives a smooth, fruity richness to the dressing and helps everything blend beautifully.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant herbaceous note to complement the salad.
- Dried garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon): Sprinkles a hint of savory garlic flavor without overwhelming the fresh components.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Almonds, chopped (2 tablespoons): Offers a satisfying crunch and a toasty nutty flavor.
- Baby spinach (10 oz bag): The vibrant green base, tender yet sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
- Strawberries (1/2 pound, hulled and sliced): Lend bright sweetness and beautiful color.
- Raspberries (1 cup): Small bursts of tartness that make every bite exciting.
- Blueberries (1 cup): Juicy and mildly sweet, complementing the other berries perfectly.
- Avocado (1 large, sliced): Silky and creamy, bringing a luscious texture to the salad.
How to Make Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
This is where the magic begins! Combine the white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, dried garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything vigorously until the dressing has a smooth, slightly thickened consistency. Setting this aside allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Toss the Salad Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and add your baby spinach, sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, chopped almonds, and the creamy avocado slices. Drizzle your homemade dressing over the top and gently toss everything together so each bite is perfectly coated. Be careful with the avocado so it doesn’t mash—gentle mixing keeps it looking fresh and inviting. Serve this salad immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant flavors at their best!
How to Serve Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios over the top adds extra crunch and a lovely nutty aroma. For an elegant touch, add a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers that complement the colorful berries. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also enhances the salad’s flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
This salad shines when paired with simple grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside warm quinoa or crusty artisan bread to round out the meal. It can also be a fantastic starter on a summer dinner menu, balancing heavier main courses with its refreshing qualities.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try layering the spinach, berries, and avocado slices in clear glass bowls for a stunning visual effect. You can also serve individual portions in large lettuce cups or on a bed of quinoa for a hearty variation. Drizzling a little extra dressing in a zigzag pattern on top adds a professional finish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep the avocado from browning, squeeze a small amount of lemon juice over the slices before storing. Keep the dressing separate until serving if possible; if already tossed, give everything a gentle mix before enjoying again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Berries and avocado lose their texture and become mushy after thawing, which affects the overall appeal. Stick to preparing just what you can enjoy in a day or so for optimal flavor and freshness.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, raw salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advisable. The crispness of the spinach and the freshness of the berries are what make this Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe truly special, so always enjoy it chilled or at room temperature right after tossing.
FAQs
Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is ideal here for its mild flavor and soft texture, you can use arugula, mixed salad greens, or baby kale to give a slightly different taste and crunch. Just keep in mind that some greens have a stronger flavor that may change the salad’s overall profile.
What can I use instead of white balsamic vinegar?
If white balsamic vinegar is not available, try using regular balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though these will alter the taste slightly. You might want to reduce the quantity a bit if the vinegar is stronger or darker to maintain that lovely light and bright dressing.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Choose an avocado that is ripe but still firm to the touch for this salad. You want slices that hold their shape without being mushy. If it’s too hard, the avocado will be tough and less creamy, and if it’s overripe, it might become too soft and overpower the other ingredients.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or toasted chickpeas are fantastic protein options that complement the flavors here. Even crumbled feta or goat cheese can add richness and extra creaminess for a more filling salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe is naturally vegan if you use a plant-based honey substitute or leave the honey out entirely. The dressing’s flavor can be balanced with a bit more sweetness from maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and healthy all at once. Its beautiful colors and fresh, bright flavors make it a joy to prepare and eat, whether for yourself or to share with friends and family. Give it a try next time you want a salad that’s bursting with flavor and good vibes — you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Spinach Avocado Salad with Berries combines fresh baby spinach, ripe avocado, and a medley of juicy berries with a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. Enhanced by crunchy almonds and a hint of honey, this salad offers a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or side.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 2 tablespoons almonds, chopped
- 10 oz bag baby spinach
- 1/2 pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 1 cup raspberries, washed and gently dried
- 1 cup blueberries, washed and gently dried
- 1 large avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, dried garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the baby spinach, chopped almonds, sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced avocado. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the delicate berries. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- For added protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken or tofu.
- Almonds can be substituted with walnuts or pecans for different flavor and crunch.
- To keep the avocado from browning, toss it with a little lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh as the berries and avocado can release moisture over time.
- Adjust the honey and seasoning in the dressing to taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter or tangier flavor profile.
