I enjoy making citrus berry spinach salad because it combines bright, refreshing flavors with fresh and colorful ingredients. The sweetness of the berries pairs beautifully with the tangy citrus and tender spinach leaves. I like how the light dressing brings everything together, creating a salad that feels both vibrant and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it balances sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors in a simple dish. The juicy berries and citrus slices add natural sweetness while the spinach provides a soft and earthy base.
Another reason I enjoy this salad is how quick it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a simple dressing, I can create a dish that works perfectly as a light meal or a refreshing side.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh spinach leaves
strawberries, sliced
blueberries
orange or mandarin segments
red onion, thinly sliced
feta cheese, crumbled
almonds or walnuts, chopped
For the dressing
olive oil
fresh orange juice
lemon juice
honey
salt
black pepper
Directions
I start by washing and drying the spinach leaves, then placing them in a large salad bowl.
Next, I add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and citrus segments over the spinach. These fruits bring brightness and natural sweetness to the salad.
I sprinkle thinly sliced red onion over the top for a little sharpness and contrast in flavor.
Then I add crumbled feta cheese and chopped almonds or walnuts to give the salad a creamy and crunchy texture.
In a small bowl, I whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to create a light citrus dressing.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Servings and Timing
This recipe usually makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: none
Total time: about 15 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a more filling meal.
Another variation I enjoy is using goat cheese instead of feta for a slightly creamier texture.
For extra crunch, I occasionally add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
storage/reheating
I store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
If possible, I prefer storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
Since this is a fresh salad, I do not reheat it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries in this salad?
I prefer using fresh berries because they hold their shape and texture better in salads.
What type of spinach works best?
I usually use baby spinach because the leaves are tender and mild in flavor.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the ingredients ahead and store them separately. I toss the salad with dressing just before serving.
What other citrus fruits can I use?
I sometimes use grapefruit, blood orange, or clementines for slightly different citrus flavors.
Can I make the salad dairy-free?
Yes, I simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
I like preparing citrus berry spinach salad because it is fresh, colorful, and full of bright flavors. The combination of sweet berries, tangy citrus, and tender spinach creates a refreshing dish that works well for many occasions. Whenever I make it, I enjoy how quickly it comes together while still feeling light and satisfying.
Print
Citrus Berry Spinach Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and refreshing salad made with tender spinach, sweet berries, citrus segments, and a light citrus honey dressing, finished with feta cheese and crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 orange or 2 mandarins, segmented
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves, then place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and orange or mandarin segments.
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the salad.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped almonds or walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Baby spinach works best because it is tender and mild in flavor.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of feta for a creamier taste.
- Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can replace the nuts for a different crunch.
- Fresh berries are recommended because they hold their texture better.
- Store dressing separately if preparing ahead to keep the spinach fresh.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
