If you are craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful crunch, the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a stunning side dish. Every bite delivers tender baby spinach leaves, juicy blueberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy feta, all brought together by a luscious homemade dressing that combines bright orange juice with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. It’s fresh, nutritious, and simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each element brings something special, from the sweetness of the blueberries to the tangy bite of red onion and the creamy texture of feta cheese.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: The leafy green base offers tender texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 cup blueberries: These juicy gems add natural sweetness and a pop of beautiful blue color.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp bite that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted: Adds satisfying crunch and a warm, nutty aroma.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a creamy, salty contrast that enriches every forkful.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: The star ingredient in the dressing for bright citrus flavor.
- 2 tbsp honey: Natural sweetness that smooths out the tanginess of the dressing.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds: Provides delightful crunch and a nutty undertone in the dressing.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Creates a rich, smooth texture to carry all the flavors.
How to Make Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by rinsing your baby spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry—this helps your dressing stick better later on.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened. This mixture is where the magic happens, with zesty citrus and the delightful crunch from poppy seeds creating a unique flavor profile.
Step 3: Layer Your Salad Ingredients
Using a large salad bowl, start by layering the baby spinach as the base. Then scatter the blueberries over the top, followed by the thinly sliced red onions, toasted walnuts, and lastly, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over everything. This layering makes the salad not only delicious but visually stunning.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the beautifully vibrant orange poppy seed dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure every leaf and topping is coated with that delicious dressing. Tossing lightly helps maintain the integrity of the delicate ingredients and the perfect crunch of walnuts and poppy seeds.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once dressed, serve your Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe immediately to savor the freshness and goodness of the ingredients. This salad shines brightest when enjoyed fresh, as it offers an exciting combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To give your salad an extra pop, consider adding zesty orange zest or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. These simple garnishes elevate the salad, highlighting the citrus notes from the dressing and adding a bit of visual appeal that is sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, protein-rich side dishes like grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a quinoa pilaf. The fresh, fruity, and nutty components of the salad provide a perfect balance to heartier mains, making a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salad ingredients in layers within a clear glass bowl so the colors pop through. Alternatively, serve individual portions on chilled plates with a small extra drizzle of dressing for an elegant touch—perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mixing them just before serving keeps the spinach crisp and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh berries and spinach which can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the optimal combination of textures and flavors.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Simply enjoy the leftovers chilled after tossing with fresh dressing if needed.
FAQs
Can I substitute the baby spinach with another green?
Absolutely! While baby spinach offers a mild flavor and tender texture, you can swap in baby kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens for a different twist. Just keep in mind that stronger greens might alter the delicate balance of flavors.
Is the dressing gluten-free?
Yes, the dressing is naturally gluten-free as it relies on simple ingredients like orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and poppy seeds. Just double-check the mustard label if you have severe allergies, but most Dijon mustards are gluten-free.
How long will the dressing keep in the fridge?
The Orange Poppy Seed Dressing will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk or shake before using as ingredients may settle.
Can I use dried blueberries instead of fresh?
Fresh blueberries give the best burst of juiciness and fresh flavor for this salad. However, if you only have dried blueberries, you can use them but expect a different texture and more concentrated sweetness. Consider soaking them briefly in water to plump them up.
What other nuts can I use besides walnuts?
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even pistachios! Toasting any of these nuts before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch, complementing the salad beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you want a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is a fantastic choice. Its refreshing combination of fresh ingredients and zesty, sweet dressing makes it a go-to for any season. Try making it soon—you might just find this becoming your new favorite salad to share with friends and family.
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Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 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 tossed with crunchy walnuts, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. This delightful salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal healthy lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 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
- 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 using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels to remove any moisture for a crisp base.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the 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 salad bowl, layer the baby spinach first, then add the blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, chopped toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the prepared orange poppy seed dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients with dressing and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit the feta cheese or use vegan cheese alternative.
- Make the dressing ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; whisk before using as it may separate.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of spinach and berries.
