Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange

Name: Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup ripe blueberries; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tbsp poppy seeds; ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: May 1, 2025

by Hailey parker

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Blueberry Spinach Salad offers refreshing flavors that are easy to prepare, making meal prep fun and efficient.
Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning and an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
The sweet orange poppy seed dressing adds a delightful twist to traditional salads, elevating your dining experience effortlessly.
Versatile enough to pair with grilled meats or stand alone as a light meal, it’s perfect for any occasion.

I once served this salad at a family reunion, and the oohs and ahhs from my relatives were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Spinach: Choose bright green leaves for maximum flavor; baby spinach works best for tenderness.
Blueberries: Opt for ripe blueberries; they should be plump and juicy for the best taste.
Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion for a mild yet crunchy addition; soak them in water beforehand to mellow the flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with goat cheese if you prefer something tangy.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add crunch; look for fresh poppy seeds for optimal flavor.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings zestiness; avoid bottled juice for the brightest flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; ensure it’s fresh for maximum health benefits.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness; adjust to taste based on your preference for sweetness. balsamic Brussels sprouts.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; use freshly cracked pepper for an extra kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this colorful journey together!

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold water until clean. Gently pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Slice the Onions: Thinly slice half a small red onion. For milder taste, soak these slices in ice water for about 10 minutes before using.

Mingle the Spinach and Blueberries: In a large bowl, combine the washed spinach and fresh blueberries. Toss gently to mix them without crushing those delightful berries.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds until well blended. honey butter cornbread poppers The dressing should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Toss Everything Together: Drizzle the dressing over your beautiful spinach and blueberry mixture. Gently toss until everything is coated evenly—don’t get too wild; you want those blueberries intact!

Add Feta Cheese: Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of your salad masterpiece. Give it one last gentle toss if desired—or just leave it as is so everyone can marvel at its beauty before diving in.

And there you have it! Your delicious Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing awaits! Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving to let those flavors mingle even more. For more inspiration, check out this Greek Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.

Now that you’ve mastered this salad recipe, get ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every crunchy bite filled with juicy blueberries and zesty oranges while basking in their compliments—because you deserve it!

You Must Know

This vibrant Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing treat.
The dressing adds a delightful zing, and the colors will brighten up any table.
Perfect for summer picnics or as a light lunch, it’s both nutritious and delicious.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Then, prepare the dressing while the blueberries are rinsing, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also replace blueberries with strawberries for a different flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, avoid adding dressing until serving to keep it fresh.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh, ripe blueberries for maximum sweetness and flavor; they make all the difference.
If you’re short on time, pre-washed spinach saves you hassle while maintaining crispness.
Consider making extra dressing to jazz up other salads throughout the week!

The first time I served this salad at a family BBQ, my aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Now that’s some serious salad cred!

FAQ

Can I use frozen blueberries in this salad?

Yes, but fresh blueberries really elevate the flavor and texture of this dish.

What can I substitute for poppy seeds?

Sunflower seeds or sesame seeds work well as tasty alternatives in the dressing.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing for a delightful vegan option.

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