The Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant colors, coming together in a bowl that simply feels like summer. Each forkful is a delightful mix of leafy freshness, juicy berries, tangy creamy feta, and nutty crunch—a harmony brought together by a zesty, fruit-forward vinaigrette that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping lunches, or dazzling guests with a gorgeous side, this salad is a conversation starter and a guaranteed favorite for both vegetarians and anyone craving something a little out of the ordinary.

Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and you’ll be ready to make magic. Every item on this list has a role to play, either boosting flavor, lending crunch or creaminess, or simply making the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing as beautiful as it is delicious.

Baby Spinach: Tender, mild, and full of nutrients, it forms the lush green backbone of the salad.
Fresh Blueberries: Sweet and juicy, they burst with freshness and color in every bite.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the fruit and greens—swap in goat cheese for a different twist!
Sliced Almonds (toasted): Toasting them adds a beautiful nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
Red Onion (thinly sliced): Brings just the right touch of zesty sharpness and vibrant color.
Avocado (optional, sliced): Adds creaminess and extra luxe, but the salad is fabulous either way.
Fresh Orange Juice: The star of our dressing, giving it a bright, citrusy kick.
Orange Zest: Ramps up the orange flavor and gives the vinaigrette a fragrant lift.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with subtle tanginess.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness, enhancing the fruity tones.
Dijon Mustard: Provides body and a gentle kick to the dressing.
Olive Oil: Brings richness and helps blend all the dressing flavors together.
Poppy Seeds: For a delicate crunch and that irresistible classic look in the vinaigrette.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!

How to Make Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Start by washing and thoroughly drying the baby spinach leaves, then toss them into a large salad bowl. Next, gently rinse the blueberries and pat them dry so they stay plump and beautifully intact. Crumble the feta cheese (or open your pre-crumbled pack!), slice up the toasted almonds, and thinly slice the red onion. If you love avocado, go ahead and slice up half for extra creaminess—totally your call.

Step 2: Mix Up That Zesty Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the fresh orange juice, fragrant zest, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until completely blended. Then, as you continue whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil—this helps the dressing get nice and silky. Lastly, stir in the poppy seeds, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Wow, does this smell amazing already!

Step 3: Assemble the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Add the blueberries, feta, almonds, red onion, and avocado (if using) to the bed of spinach. Right before serving, drizzle your freshly whisked orange poppy seed dressing over the top. Give everything a gentle but thorough toss so the dressing coats every leafy, fruity, cheesy bite without crushing those beautiful berries.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Portion the salad into bowls or onto plates and watch the colors pop! This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing looks gorgeous on any table and is best enjoyed immediately so every ingredient shines at its freshest.

How to Serve Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Garnishes

A few extra blueberries or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds on top add irresistible eye appeal and amplify the crunchy, juicy experience. If you enjoy a little extra tang, a final crumble of feta over the salad also makes each serving look spectacular. For an even fancier touch, try a light shower of microgreens or edible flowers to wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Pair your Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing with simple grilled chicken or salmon to make it a protein-packed meal. It also works wonders alongside some artisan bread or a chilled summer soup. For a picnic or brunch buffet, it stands out next to quiches, grain salads, or light pasta dishes. Its versatility means it wears many hats—great for both lunch and dinner tables!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a large, shallow platter for a modern, colorful presentation where every layer is visible. For parties, try layering it in mason jars as a portable, visually stunning lunch-to-go. Individual bowls or cups also look adorable and make portioning a breeze, great for showers or garden gatherings. Remember, this salad is a showstopper wherever it lands!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and the dressing separately whenever possible. The spinach will hold up better and stay crisper if it isn’t already tossed with the vinaigrette. Refrigerate the greens and mix-ins in an airtight container, and your homemade dressing in a small jar or bottle.

Freezing

This isn’t a freezer-friendly salad, as spinach and blueberries both suffer in texture after thawing. If you happen to make extra dressing, however, you can freeze it for up to a month—just thaw and shake well before using, as the consistency may change slightly.

Reheating

Since Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If you want to add protein like grilled chicken, you can certainly warm that up separately and add it fresh to your crisp, chilled salad for the best of both worlds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Fresh blueberries are ideal for this salad, providing the best texture and appearance. However, if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid extra moisture—just keep in mind they may be a little softer than fresh berries.

Is there a vegan version of Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing?

Absolutely! Swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or simply leave it out, and use maple syrup in the dressing instead of honey. The rest of the salad is naturally vegan and just as delicious.

What nuts can I substitute for almonds?

Walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts are wonderful substitutes if you’re looking to mix things up or have a nut allergy to consider—just be sure to give them a light toast before adding for maximum flavor and crunch.

How far in advance can I make the dressing?

The Orange Poppy Seed Dressing keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before serving to recombine all those gorgeous flavors and textures.

Can this salad be used as a main course?

Definitely! For a hearty entrée, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for extra protein. The Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing transitions seamlessly from a star side to a light but satisfying main dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to create and share this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing with loved ones. It’s one of those refreshingly unique recipes that becomes an instant hit—light, flavorful, and absolutely beautiful. Give it a try, and prepare to watch it vanish from your table faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the earthy taste of spinach, topped with a zesty homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

6 cups baby spinach
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 avocado (sliced, optional)

For the dressing:

1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, blueberries, feta, almonds, red onion, and avocado if using.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together orange juice, zest, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking. Stir in poppy seeds, season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad before serving, toss gently to combine.