If you’re searching for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and fresh textures, the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful combination of sweet blueberries, crunchy walnuts, tangy feta, and a zesty, homemade orange poppy seed dressing creates a refreshing dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a colorful side, or whenever you want to impress guests with something that tastes like summer on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in balancing flavors and textures, making the salad fresh, crunchy, creamy, and sweet all at once.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: The soft, leafy base provides a mild, earthy flavor packed with nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- 1 cup blueberries: Juicy bursts of sweetness add a pop of color and natural tartness to balance the greens.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy bite that complements the sweeter ingredients.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted: Toasting brings out their nutty aroma and crunchy texture, giving the salad satisfying depth.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: A creamy, salty contrast that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star of the dressing, offering bright citrus notes to lift the salad.
- 2 tbsp honey: Natural sweetness that balances acidity and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds slight heat and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth finish.
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of crunch and subtle nuttiness complement the walnuts wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Creates a luscious texture for the dressing while adding richness.
How to Make Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Greens
Start by thoroughly rinsing and drying the baby spinach to ensure you have fresh, crisp leaves ready to soak up the flavors of the dressing. Drying is key here—wet spinach will dilute your dressing and make the salad soggy.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened. This vibrant, tangy dressing will coat the salad with a perfect balance of sweet and zesty notes.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Using a large bowl, create layers by starting with the baby spinach and then adding blueberries, thinly sliced red onions, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Layering the ingredients allows you to see all the colors and textures come together beautifully.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the freshly made orange poppy seed dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Gently toss it all together, making sure every bite gets a hint of that luscious dressing without bruising the delicate leaves.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve this salad right away to enjoy the contrast of crisp greens, juicy berries, and crunchy nuts with creamy feta that will delight every taste bud.
How to Serve Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra toasted walnuts or a few fresh mint leaves on top for an added touch of aroma and texture. A light zesting of fresh orange peel can also brighten up the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, wholesome meal. It’s a great side for savory dishes like roasted pork or a simple pasta primavera, helping to keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or party option. Alternatively, layering the salad in clear bowls showcases the stunning vibrant colors, making it irresistible even before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain freshness. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and toss with the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the flavors vibrant.
Freezing
Since this salad relies on fresh, crisp ingredients, freezing isn’t recommended as it will alter the texture of the spinach and blueberries significantly. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. The delicate flavors and textures shine brightest when fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this salad?
While fresh blueberries are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can use frozen blueberries if thawed and drained well. Just be aware they might make the salad a bit more watery.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata can be great alternatives if you want a similar creamy, tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try avocado slices or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.
How long does the dressing keep?
The orange poppy seed dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Always give it a good whisk before using, as natural separation may occur.
Can I make the salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for the dressing to make the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe vegan-friendly.
What other nuts can I use besides walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios work wonderfully toasted and chopped, adding their own unique crunch and flavor notes while complementing the salad.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe because it really brings a refreshing twist to your salad game. Whether you’re serving it as a light meal or a delightful side, the burst of colors and balance of flavors simply brightens the day. Go grab these simple ingredients and make this salad a new staple in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
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Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Blueberry Spinach Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, sweet blueberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade orange poppy seed dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side dish, combining nutritious ingredients with a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
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 baby spinach thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt and ensure the leaves are crisp.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer the spinach first, then add the blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the freshly made orange poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, then serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Notes
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, to enhance their flavor.
- If fresh orange juice is unavailable, freshly squeezed is preferred over bottled for best taste.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to maintain crispness.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup to make the dressing vegan-friendly.
