If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that captures the best of both savory and sweet, look no further than this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors: crisp baby spinach, juicy berries, crunchy almonds, and creamy goat cheese, all brought together by a bright, tangy homemade dressing. Whether you’re prepping lunch for yourself or hosting friends for brunch, this salad is truly a showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe shines on its own, but together they create a symphony of color, flavor, and nutrition. These essentials are easy to find yet feel special in every bite.
- Milk: Just a splash helps create a creamy base for the homemade dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps thicken the dressing for that perfect tangy bite.
- Mayonnaise or Light Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, lending richness and a smooth texture.
- Onion Onion™ Seasoning: Packs a punch of savory flavor, making the dressing pop.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing, balancing the tartness of the lemon and the bite of the onion seasoning.
- Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves: The star of the salad, offering a tender, leafy crunch and a gorgeous green backdrop for the fruit.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced for bursts of sweet, juicy flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
- Fresh Blueberries: Add a juicy, antioxidant-rich touch with every bite.
- Sliced Almonds, Toasted: Brings in a nutty crunch and toasty aroma that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Crumbled Goat Cheese (Optional): For those who love a creamy, tangy finish, goat cheese is the perfect topping.
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (Optional): A sprinkle right at the end brightens and deepens all the flavors.
How to Make Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by making the dressing, which is honestly what takes this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe over the top. In a small bowl, mix together the milk and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens just a little, taking on a rich, creamy consistency. Next, whisk in the mayonnaise, Onion Onion™ Seasoning, and honey. Taste and add a pinch of salt and black pepper if you like. The dressing should be creamy, a little tangy, and just sweet enough to tie everything together.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Now for the fun part! In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and toasted sliced almonds. Each ingredient brings its own personality, so don’t be shy about piling them in. The colors alone will make your mouth water!
Step 3: Toss and Finish
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad—start with about half and toss gently to coat everything evenly. You can always add more if you love your salads extra creamy. If you’re a fan of goat cheese, sprinkle it on top for a creamy, tangy burst of flavor. Finish with a few cracks of black pepper for a little kick, and your Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try adding a few extra sliced strawberries or a handful of whole blueberries on top. A final sprinkle of toasted almonds and a crumble of goat cheese look gorgeous and taste even better. If you like, a light drizzle of honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving really makes this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe burst with freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken, salmon, or even a slice of crusty bread for a light lunch. If you’re serving it as part of a brunch spread, it’s also wonderful alongside quiche or a savory tart. The flavors are so versatile, this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe complements almost anything.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving individual portions in mason jars for a picnic or in small glasses for an appetizer. Alternatively, arrange the ingredients in pretty rows on a platter for a make-your-own Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe bar—let everyone build their perfect bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Try to keep the dressing separate if possible, as the spinach can get soggy. This way, your Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe stays crisp and delicious for up to two days.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad that loves the freezer—fresh fruits and spinach just don’t bounce back after thawing. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and frozen in a small container for up to one month. Just thaw and stir well before using!
Reheating
The beauty of the Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe is that it is best enjoyed cold and fresh. No reheating required! If you’ve made the dressing ahead, just let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before tossing with the salad.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different leafy green for spinach?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is tender and mild, arugula, mixed spring greens, or even baby kale work beautifully in this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe. Just choose your favorite and enjoy the variety.
What other fruits can I use?
Feel free to swap in blackberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches when strawberries or blueberries aren’t available. The key is to use ripe, juicy fruit so every bite of your Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe is bursting with flavor.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Definitely! Use a plant-based mayonnaise for the dressing and skip the goat cheese—or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative. The salad turns out just as fresh and delicious.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing for the Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe up to three days ahead. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge and give it a good shake or whisk before using.
What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Toasting almonds is simple: spread them out on a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for 2-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to your salad for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a big bowl of this Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe with friends or family. It’s quick, stunning, and full of flavor—give it a try and let it bring a fresh burst of color and joy to your table!
Print
Spinach & Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spinach & Fruit Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, blueberries, toasted almonds, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for a light and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup milk
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- ½ cup mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons Onion Onion™ Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
Salad
- 1 (10 ounce) package fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the milk and lemon juice. Let the mixture stand for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then whisk in the mayonnaise, Onion Onion™ Seasoning, and honey. Season the dressing with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and toasted sliced almonds to create the vibrant salad base.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the salad with your desired amount of the prepared dressing and toss gently to combine. If desired, top the salad with crumbled goat cheese and an extra crack of fresh black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use light mayonnaise for a lower fat option.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring often.
- Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Onion Onion™ Seasoning can be substituted with a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs if unavailable.
- The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
