Sweet Savory Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that has transformed my lunch routine. Featuring a sweet and tangy balsamic honey dressing, this salad is topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, mandarin oranges, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy honey roasted peanuts. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and is sure to brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Savory Spinach Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious! Here are a few reasons to love it:

Rich in vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and fruits.
Offers a delightful combination of textures, including crunchy peanuts and soft cheese.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
It’s a healthy spinach salad with fruits that can be enjoyed guilt-free.
Versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this salad throughout the week.

Ingredients for Sweet Savory Spinach Salad

Gather these items:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 cups baby spinach
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries
¾ cup mandarin oranges
½ cup feta cheese
½ cup honey roasted peanuts

How to Make Sweet Savory Spinach Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Set the olive oil aside. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This gradual addition helps the dressing to emulsify and prevents separation. Once fully combined, either serve immediately or chill before serving. Remember to shake or stir before each use to maintain consistency.
Step 3: Wash and dry all the fresh fruit thoroughly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them vertically into thin pieces.
Step 4: Lay out the baby spinach evenly on a large serving platter. Drizzle 3-4 tablespoons of the dressing over the spinach for light coating.
Step 5: Top the dressed spinach with blueberries, sliced strawberries, and mandarin oranges. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the fruits.
Step 6: Drizzle a little more dressing over the salad for extra flavor and serve the remaining dressing on the side. Finally, scatter the honey roasted peanuts on top to add a crunchy texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Savory Spinach Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Feel free to substitute with other fruits like raspberries or apples for variations.
Consider adding grilled chicken for a protein boost.
For a zesty kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Savory Spinach Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues. You can also serve it as a light lunch with a slice of crusty bread or alongside your favorite protein for dinner. It’s truly an easy sweet and savory spinach salad that fits any occasion!

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Savory Spinach Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the spinach fresh, avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to eat. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can easily reheat the dressing and drizzle over a fresh portion later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Savory Spinach Salad

What is a sweet savory spinach salad?

A savory spinach salad recipe that combines sweet fruits like berries and mandarin oranges with creamy feta cheese, creating a delightful mix of flavors.

Can I make sweet savory spinach salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent wilting.

How do I avoid common mistakes with sweet savory spinach salad?

To avoid sogginess, always dry greens thoroughly after washing and add dressing just before serving. This ensures your salad stays crisp and fresh.

Variations of Sweet Savory Spinach Salad You Can Try

Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:

Swap out the honey roasted peanuts for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Incorporate different fruits like apples or pears for a seasonal touch.
Try a spinach salad with honey mustard dressing for a tangy alternative.

Sweet Savory Spinach Salad: 5 Fresh and Flavorful Ideas - Sweet Savory Spinach Salad - additional detail

This Sweet Savory Spinach Salad is a must-try for a refreshing meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s both delightful and nutritious!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. You can also explore sweet potato biscuits for a tasty side dish!

Sweet Savory Spinach Salad: 5 Fresh and Flavorful Ideas

Author: basmer
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and refreshing spinach salad featuring a sweet and tangy balsamic honey dressing, topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, mandarin oranges, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy honey roasted peanuts. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty side dish.

Instructions

Set the olive oil aside. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This gradual addition helps the dressing to emulsify and prevents separation. Once fully combined, either serve immediately or chill before serving. Remember to shake or stir before each use to maintain consistency.
Wash and dry all the fresh fruit thoroughly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them vertically into thin pieces.
Lay out the baby spinach evenly on a large serving platter. Drizzle 3-4 tablespoons of the dressing over the spinach for light coating.
Top the dressed spinach with blueberries, sliced strawberries, and mandarin oranges. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the fruits.
Drizzle a little more dressing over the salad for extra flavor and serve the remaining dressing on the side. Finally, scatter the honey roasted peanuts on top to add a crunchy texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!