Spinach and Berry Salad Bowl (Printable Version)

Refreshing spinach and berry blend with goat cheese, walnuts, and zesty valsamic vinaigrette.

# Components:

→ Salad

01 - 5 oz fresh baby spinach
02 - 3.5 oz mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
03 - 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
04 - 1.75 oz toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Vinaigrette

06 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Preparation steps:

01 - Wash and dry the spinach leaves and berries thoroughly to remove any moisture or debris.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, berries, goat cheese, nuts, and red onion if using.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than it takes to wait for takeout, and every bite tastes like youve been planning it all week.
  • The tang of goat cheese against sweet berries and peppery greens creates a flavor balance that feels indulgent without any guilt.
  • You can toss in whatever nuts, seeds, or cheese you have on hand and it still turns out beautifully.
02 -
  • Never dress the salad more than a minute before serving or the spinach will wilt and the berries will start bleeding their juices into the bowl.
  • Toasting your nuts in a dry skillet for three to five minutes transforms them completely, but watch them closely because they burn in seconds once they start to color.
03 -
  • If your balsamic vinegar is too sharp, add an extra half teaspoon of honey to soften the edge without losing the tang.
  • Massage the spinach leaves gently with a tiny bit of olive oil before adding the other ingredients to give them a silky texture and deeper green color.
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