Salads

Blueberry and Spinach Superfood Salad

The Blueberry and Spinach Superfood Salad is a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad that combines the antioxidant power of blueberries with the vibrant green of fresh spinach and a variety of wholesome toppings.

This salad is bright, colorful, and bursting with flavors and textures—sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a brunch addition.

Superfoods like spinach, blueberries, and nuts provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this salad not just delicious but also incredibly nourishing. A homemade citrus or balsamic vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, giving it a tangy-sweet finish that balances the natural sweetness of the berries.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s both delicious and good for you. The sweet blueberries pair beautifully with the slight bitterness of spinach, while the crunch of nuts and seeds adds a satisfying texture. The dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering the natural freshness of the ingredients.

It’s a salad that feels indulgent but is actually packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a meal that is light yet filling, tasty, and wholesome.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

  • Superfood-packed: Blueberries, spinach, nuts, and seeds make it nutrient-rich.
  • Easy and quick: Ready in less than 15 minutes.
  • Colorful and vibrant: Makes an appealing presentation.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a side, main, or lunchbox salad.
  • Delicious balance: Sweet, tart, nutty, and crunchy textures.

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 2–4 servings
  • Calories: ~250 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

  • Cuisine: Modern / Healthy / American-inspired
  • Course: Salad / Side Dish / Light Main

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Combine spinach, blueberries, tomatoes, nuts, and cheese in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
  3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
  4. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

  • Wash and dry the spinach leaves.
  • Rinse blueberries and cherry tomatoes.
  • Slice red onion and toast almonds lightly in a skillet.

Step 2 – Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 3 – Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine spinach, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, almonds, seeds, red onion, and feta cheese (if using).

Step 4 – Dress the Salad

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
  • Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5 – Serve

  • Transfer to individual plates or a serving bowl.
  • Garnish with extra nuts, seeds, or a few whole blueberries for presentation.

How to Serve

  • Serve immediately as a light lunch or side dish.
  • Pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a complete meal.
  • Great for brunch or as part of a salad platter for entertaining.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh, firm blueberries for the best texture and sweetness.
  • Toasting almonds or seeds enhances flavor and crunch.
  • Adjust dressing sweetness to taste; honey or maple syrup can be increased slightly.
  • Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrients.

Variations

  • Fruit variations: Swap blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, or pomegranate seeds.
  • Cheese alternatives: Use shaved Parmesan or omit cheese for vegan version.
  • Nut alternatives: Try walnuts, pecans, or cashews.
  • Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa to make it a main dish.
  • Dressing twist: Use lemon juice and olive oil or a yogurt-based dressing.

Freezing & Storage

  • Salad: Best enjoyed fresh; spinach and blueberries do not freeze well.
  • Dressing: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Leftovers: Store components separately (spinach, toppings, dressing) to maintain freshness.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisk or fork for dressing
  • Skillet for toasting nuts/seeds
  • Salad tongs or spoon

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep spinach fresh and blueberries firm.

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Q: Can I add grains?
Absolutely! Cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice makes it a more substantial meal.

Q: Can I substitute the nuts?
Yes, any crunchy nuts or seeds, like pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds, work well.

Conclusion

Blueberry and Spinach Superfood Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and delicious salad that’s easy to make yet full of flavor and nutrients. Sweet blueberries, crisp spinach, crunchy nuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing make it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. This salad proves that eating healthy can be simple, visually stunning, and incredibly tasty.

Blueberry and Spinach Superfood Salad

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Total time

10

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

  • For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Step 1 – Prep Ingredients : Wash and dry the spinach leaves. Rinse blueberries and cherry tomatoes. Slice red onion and toast almonds lightly in a skillet.
  • Step 2 – Make the Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  • Step 3 – Assemble the Salad : In a large bowl, combine spinach, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, almonds, seeds, red onion, and feta cheese (if using).
  • Step 4 – Dress the Salad : Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  • Step 5 – Serve : Transfer to individual plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with extra nuts, seeds, or a few whole blueberries for presentation.