If you’re craving a refreshing, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and color, the Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad perfectly balances the freshness of baby spinach and sweet, juicy berries with the creamy tang of goat cheese, all tied together with a luscious raspberry vinaigrette. Every bite delivers a medley of textures and tastes that make it a go-to dish for quick lunches, light dinners, or impressive potluck contributions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a fresh spinach salad arranged in layers starting with a base of bright green spinach leaves covering the bottom and sides. On top, there are ripe red raspberries on the left, a pile of blueberries near the center, and sliced red strawberries to the right, all separated but close to each other. Mixed in the top right corner are chopped pecans adding a brown crunch texture. In the bottom middle part, there is a small heap of white, crumbly cheese next to thinly sliced purple-red onion rings placed on the spinach. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of pecans and a glass of pickled red onions visible above and below the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe shines because of its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering harmony between sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements, making the salad pop with flavor and color.

6 cups baby spinach: The tender, nutrient-rich base that adds a vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
1 cup strawberries, halved: Juicy and sweet, these berries bring natural sweetness and a burst of red.
½ cup raspberries: Their tartness adds a delightful contrast and depth to the salad.
½ cup blueberries: Small but mighty, these add a subtle sweetness and beautiful blue hues.
⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, it provides a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the berries.
⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced: A sharp, slightly sweet crunch that balances the salad’s fruity components.
¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft berries and creamy cheese.
½ recipe Raspberry Vinaigrette: The star dressing that ties the whole salad together with a fresh, tangy finish.

How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by rinsing the baby spinach and berries thoroughly under cold water to ensure they are clean and fresh. Pat the spinach dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to avoid sogginess. Slice the strawberries in half, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the pecans. Crumble the goat cheese into small, satisfying chunks that will evenly scatter throughout the salad.

Step 2: Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, red onion, goat cheese, and pecans. Gently toss everything together to mix the ingredients without bruising the berries or crushing the spinach leaves. This careful mixing keeps each bite balanced and visually appealing.

Step 3: Add the Raspberry Vinaigrette

Drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette over the tossed salad just before serving. Toss gently once more to coat the salad evenly with the dressing, allowing the tangy and sweet flavors to mingle and bring out the full beauty of this Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe.

How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe

A white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves forms the base layer, topped with bright red strawberry slices, deep red raspberries, and dark blue blueberries scattered evenly across. Thin slices of purple-red onion are spread throughout, adding a slight contrast. Small chunks of white cheese and pieces of brown walnuts are placed on top. The entire salad is drizzled with a pinkish-red dressing. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a glass jar of the pink dressing and a white spoon nearby, along with a white plate on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers on top. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also introduce refreshing herbal notes that elevate the salad’s complexity.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crusty artisan bread. They complement the lightness of the Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe, making your meal feel complete and satisfying without overpowering the salad’s delicate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual clear glass bowls or mason jars to highlight its vibrant colors. For a party or picnic, pack the dressing separately and let guests toss their own salad fresh to keep everything crisp and flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh as the tender spinach wilts and the berries soften once dressed. If you want to prepare ahead, store all components separately and combine just before serving. This method keeps the salad crisp and fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Due to the delicate nature of fresh spinach and berries, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and flavor of both spinach and berries degrade significantly when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, so reheating is not necessary or advised. Warmth can cause the berries to release excess juices and the spinach to wilt, resulting in a less appetizing texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens can work wonderfully. Each will bring a different texture and flavor, but the overall freshness and crunch will be excellent additions to the salad.

How do I make the raspberry vinaigrette from scratch?

To make a simple raspberry vinaigrette, blend fresh or frozen raspberries with olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, Dijon mustard for depth, salt, and pepper. It’s quick, fresh, and perfectly complements this salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

By omitting the goat cheese or replacing it with a plant-based cheese alternative, this salad can easily be made vegan while still packing all the delicious flavors and textures.

Can I use dried berries if fresh ones are unavailable?

While dried berries can add sweetness, fresh berries provide juiciness and balance that dried ones can’t replicate. If using dried berries, soak them briefly in water to soften, and adjust the dressing sweetness accordingly.

What type of pecans should I use?

Raw or roasted pecans are both great options. Roasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds a crunchier texture, but raw pecans keep a milder flavor and softer bite, which pairs nicely with the other salad ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe once you try this Berry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipe, it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The combination of fresh berries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and tangy vinaigrette is endlessly satisfying and perfect any time you want something light, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Give it a go and watch it become a new classic in your kitchen!