Description
A fresh and vibrant Blueberry Spinach Salad topped with crunchy walnuts, tangy feta cheese, and a sweet-tart Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. This quick and easy salad combines nutritious baby spinach and antioxidant-rich blueberries with a flavorful homemade dressing for a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Rinse and dry the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or moisture, ensuring the leaves are crisp and fresh for the salad base.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, creating a balanced sweet and tangy dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, layer the baby spinach first, then evenly add the blueberries, thinly sliced red onions, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the orange poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the ingredients to coat them evenly without bruising the spinach leaves.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Adjust honey amount in the dressing to taste for more or less sweetness.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the spinach and the brightness of the dressing.
