Berry Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

There is no doubt I LOVE a good salad. It’s probably one of my favorite things to make and eat. I think it’s because salads don’t require much, just bright greens, fresh veggies or fruit, and a good homemade dressing.

Well, this spinach berry salad is just that. Loaded with delicious fresh berry flavor, spinach leaves, salty feta, and crunchy almond slices. Then tossed in a homemade sweet and tangy raspberry vinaigrette. It’s an adaptation of my Raspberry Basil Garlic Vinaigrette but only with fresh berries in the mix.

It’s a great recipe for when you’re craving a light and fresh salad, especially in the warmer months. It makes the most beautiful presentation on a table for Sunday brunch, Mother’s Day or Easter holiday.

While this salad is meant as a side, topping it with chicken or salmon, whether grilled or baked turns it into a main. 

All About the Berries

What makes this truly the best salad is the perfect combination of sweet and sour berries. I like to pair blueberries and raspberries together but other berries such as strawberries and blackberries would be a great addition.

When shopping, look for plump, full-colored berries. Avoid berries that are crushed, bruised, or moldy. And remember berries should not be washed until they are being used, otherwise, they will spoil quickly.

Homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this homemade raspberry vinaigrette. Packed with so much flavor and gorgeous color. It’s tangy, sweet, and bright all around. 

Is raspberry vinaigrette healthy? Usually, vinaigrette-type dressings with oil and vinegar tend to be healthier. To keep the vinaigrette refined sugar-free, substitute brown sugar with honey.

For this vinaigrette, you’ll need fresh raspberries, olive oil, cider vinegar, fresh basil, brown sugar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add everything into a food-processor and blend until smooth.

How to Make Raspberry Salad Recipe

The actual salad is made up of baby spinach, raspberries, blueberries, red onions, feta, and almonds. As I mentioned above, you can add fresh blackberries and strawberries for extra berry flavor. 

Put the spinach into a large serving bowl or salad platter and top with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle some of the raspberry vinaigrette over the salad and serve.

You can swap out the feta cheese for the goat cheese. Add as little or as much as you like. I found that a 1/3 cup was a good balance but you can totally add more to taste.

What To Do With Leftover Berries?

If you have leftover berries of any kind, try our easy Strawberry-Blueberry Honey Jam, Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles, Strawberry Shortcake Cake or our Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad.