Sweet and Savory Spinach Salad with Berries, Feta, and Honey Roasted Peanuts Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant spinach salad combines fresh berries, tangy feta, and crunchy honey roasted peanuts for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Tossed with a homemade balsamic honey dressing, it’s a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• ¾ cup mandarin oranges
• ½ cup feta cheese
• ½ cup honey roasted peanuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the dressing by setting the olive oil aside. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Slowly drizzle in a small amount of olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Repeat gradually until all the olive oil is incorporated. Chill the dressing or serve immediately, shaking or stirring before use.
3. Step 3: Wash and dry the fruit. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them vertically.
4. Step 4: Arrange the baby spinach on a serving platter and drizzle with 3-4 tablespoons of the dressing.
5. Step 5: Top the spinach with blueberries, sliced strawberries, mandarin oranges, and sprinkle evenly with feta cheese.
6. Step 6: Drizzle with a little more dressing, scatter honey roasted peanuts on top, and serve the remaining dressing on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, sprinkle grilled chicken or toasted almonds over the salad.
• Substitute honey roasted peanuts with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• Use fresh lemon juice in the dressing to brighten the flavors further.

Storage

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep salad ingredients separate to avoid sogginess and combine just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed fresh and may wilt if stored combined overnight. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly and consume within a day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to one week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to shake or whisk it well before using.

What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?

You can substitute canned mandarin oranges (drained) or replace them with segments of fresh orange or grapefruit for a similar citrus element.

Sweet and Savory Spinach Salad with Berries, Feta, and Honey Roasted Peanuts Recipe

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4.7 from 74 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing spinach salad featuring a homemade balsamic honey dressing, fresh berries, mandarin oranges, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy honey roasted peanuts. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salad

• 8 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• ¾ cup mandarin oranges
• ½ cup feta cheese
• ½ cup honey roasted peanuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: Set the olive oil aside. In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
2. Emulsify the Dressing: Gradually drizzle the olive oil into the vinegar mixture while whisking continuously. This step is crucial as it helps emulsify the dressing, preventing separation and creating a smooth texture. Continue until all olive oil has been incorporated.
3. Chill the Dressing: You can serve the dressing immediately or chill it in the refrigerator prior to serving. Remember to shake or stir well before each use to keep the dressing well combined.
4. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and dry the blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them vertically for better presentation and easier eating.
5. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the baby spinach on a large serving platter. Drizzle 3 to 4 tablespoons of the dressing over the spinach leaves.
6. Add Fruit and Cheese: Top the spinach with the fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, and mandarin oranges. Sprinkle the feta cheese evenly on top of the salad.
7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little more dressing over the salad. Scatter the honey roasted peanuts on top for crunch, serve the remaining dressing on the side, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh, ripe berries and oranges for the brightest flavor.
• Make the dressing in advance and chill to develop deeper flavor.
• Gently toss the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Honey roasted peanuts add a delightful sweet crunch but can be substituted with any nuts or seeds for different textures.
• Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: spinach salad, fresh berries salad, balsamic dressing, honey dressing, healthy salad, summer salad, vegetarian salad