There is something truly magical about a salad that perfectly balances fresh, vibrant ingredients with a zesty, flavorful dressing. This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—a refreshing medley of sweet blueberries, tender baby spinach, and crunchy walnuts all brought together by a bright and tangy orange poppy seed dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, colorful, and bursting with layers of taste and texture that make it a favorite whenever it’s on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this salad plays an essential role, from the crispness of the spinach to the sweet burst of blueberries and the rich crumble of feta cheese. The dressing’s ingredients are simple but pack a flavorful punch that transforms this salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: The tender leaves form the fresh and vibrant base, full of nutrients and color.
- 1 cup blueberries: Juicy bursts of natural sweetness that contrast beautifully with savory components.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and bite, sliced thin enough to meld without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted: Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, it perfectly balances out the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: Provides a citrusy brightness that makes the dressing refreshingly zingy.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens gently and complements the tartness of the orange juice.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and depth for complexity in the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds: Tiny seeds that add texture and a nutty flavor twist.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Brings silkiness and richness to the dressing, binding all flavors smoothly.
How to Make Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by rinsing your fresh baby spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner; dry leaves help the dressing cling better and keep the salad from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Whisk the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
In a small bowl, combine fresh orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This creates a perfectly balanced dressing that is sweet, tangy, and bursting with texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large serving bowl and start layering your ingredients: toss the baby spinach in first to form a fresh green bed, then sprinkle blueberries, thinly sliced red onions, toasted walnuts, and finally, crumbled feta cheese on top. Each ingredient adds another layer of color and flavor, so arranging them attractively makes it even more inviting.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the vibrant orange poppy seed dressing over your salad. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or clean hands to make sure every bite is coated without bruising the spinach leaves. The dressing really brings all the elements to life with its lively flavor.
Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!
This salad is best served fresh to preserve the texture contrasts between crisp greens, juicy berries, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta. Dig in and savor the exciting balance of sweet, tangy, nutty, and savory notes that make this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping the salad with additional fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts for an appealing crunch and splash of color. A few extra poppy seeds can enhance the presentation and hint at the flavors nestled beneath.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements a hearty grain bowl or a slice of artisan bread to soak up the zesty dressing and round out your dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers. Alternatively, arrange it on a wooden platter for a rustic feel, perfect for casual gatherings or picnic-style meals with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately when possible—the dressing in a sealed jar and the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the greens from wilting.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the spinach and fresh berries lose their texture and become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is generally not suitable since it will wilt the spinach and change the fresh flavors, especially of the dressing and berries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe?
While fresh blueberries are best for crisp texture and vibrant flavor, you can use thawed frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable. Just drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy salad.
Is there a substitute for poppy seeds in the dressing?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, chia seeds or sesame seeds can be used as substitutes. They’ll add a slightly different texture but still bring a nice crunch.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a good whisk or shake before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
What if I am allergic to nuts? Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, the walnuts add crunch but you can omit them or replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
How long does this salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?
Once tossed with the dressing, it’s best to eat the salad immediately or within a couple of hours as the spinach leaves will start to wilt and the salad could become soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is truly a gem—simple ingredients combining into a vibrant and exciting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick healthy lunch or a stunning side salad for dinner, this recipe brings freshness, color, and delicious flavor to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brightens up your meal routine!
Print
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 vibrant and refreshing Blueberry Spinach Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy blueberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade orange poppy seed dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful 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 Spinach: Rinse and dry the baby spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or moisture, ensuring a crisp base for the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and extra virgin olive oil until the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Layer Salad: In a large bowl, first place the fresh baby spinach, then evenly layer blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, toasted chopped walnuts, and finally crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared orange poppy seed dressing over the layered salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients well without bruising the delicate spinach.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crunchy textures at their best.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the spinach’s crispness and the dressing’s vibrant flavor.
- Can be customized by adding grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Make the dressing ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
