Blueberry Spinach Salad

Imagine biting into a crisp, vibrant salad that bursts with juicy blueberries and the crunch of fresh spinach. The zesty orange poppy seed dressing dances on your taste buds, bringing an explosion of flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Blackberry Lavender Mini Cheesecakes This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is not just a dish; it’s an experience that will have you dreaming of sunny picnics and cheerful gatherings.

This salad has a special place in my heart because it often graces our family table during sunny brunches. The mix of colors and flavors always brings smiles and happy chatter, making every meal feel like a celebration. Whether it’s a casual weekday dinner or a festive gathering, this salad never fails to impress.

I remember the first time I served this salad at a family reunion; the compliments were endless, and even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: Keto Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry.

• Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves, avoiding any yellowing or wilting for the best texture.
• Blueberries: Choose plump, ripe berries for maximum sweetness; they should be firm to the touch.
• Mandarin Oranges: Canned or fresh, these add a sweet citrus burst; opt for those packed in juice rather than syrup.
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add both texture and visual appeal; they’re essential for the dressing’s signature crunch.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich flavor that enhances your dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar balances sweetness perfectly; look for organic options if possible.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the vinaigrette beautifully; adjust to your taste preference. Sweet Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse your spinach thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Slice open your mandarin oranges if using fresh ones, ensuring they’re juicy.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds until well combined. Taste it—feel free to adjust sweetness with more honey.

Toss the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach leaves with blueberries and mandarin oranges. Gently toss them together to avoid squishing those lovely berries.

Add the Dressing: Drizzle your freshly made orange poppy seed dressing over the salad mix. Toss everything lightly so all ingredients get coated without bruising them.

Serve Fresh!: Transfer your beautifully tossed salad to serving plates or a large bowl. Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste experience!

Enjoy this delightful Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing at your next gathering or quiet dinner at home! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make this salad shine, prepare the dressing first while washing the spinach and berries. This way, everything comes together efficiently.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add nuts for extra crunch. Crumbled feta or goat cheese can elevate flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as salads are best enjoyed fresh.

Nothing beats that moment when my friends took their first bites of this salad at our picnic last summer. Their eyes lit up, and I knew I’d hit a home run!

FAQ

Can I use frozen blueberries in this salad?

Yes, but fresh blueberries give a better texture and flavor.

How long will the dressing last in the fridge?

The orange poppy seed dressing can last about one week when stored properly.

What can I substitute for poppy seeds?

Chia seeds or sunflower seeds can be good alternatives if you’re out of poppy seeds.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Enticing Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Blueberry Spinach Salad, featuring juicy blueberries, fresh spinach, and a zesty orange poppy seed dressing. Perfect for picnics or brunch gatherings, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that promises to impress your guests. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this salad is a celebration of freshness in every bite!

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh)
• 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned in juice or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the spinach thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
2. If using fresh mandarin oranges, slice them open to release their juice.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds until well combined; adjust sweetness if needed.
4. In a large bowl, gently toss spinach leaves with blueberries and mandarin oranges.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix and toss lightly to coat without bruising the berries.
6. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: N/A
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg