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Spinach Almond and Berries Salad

posted by Liz Berg on August 27, 2020 (updated 10/7/22)

A Spinach Almond and Berries Salad is the perfect way to showcase the best of summer’s bounty! Plus the Spinach Salad Dressing pairs perfectly with berries.

With the crunch of nuts, the sweetness of berries plus refreshing greens, this amped-up Strawberry Spinach Salad is divine!

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 How to Make

3 Frequently Asked Questions

4 You May Also Like

5 Spinach, Almond and Berries Salad

Why You Must Make

I spotted this recipe in a cookbook (affiliate link) I bought over a decade ago in Colorado. It featured a bed of greens with a sprinkling of colorful berries. The sweet vinaigrette paired delightfully with the fruit-laden salad. That was my inspiration for this Spinach, Almond, and Berries Salad.

Growing up in central Iowa, my mom’s salads were pretty basic. When my aunt shared her Strawberry Spinach Salad, we were instant fans.
All the sugar in the vinaigrette didn’t hurt!
This version has FOUR kinds of berries, lettuce in addition to the spinach, green onions, a touch of fresh dill, and slivered almonds.
The delicious salad dressing is a little more complex with garlic, Worcestershire, dry mustard, and onion powder in addition to a good dose of sugar, oil, and vinegar.

Overhead view of Spinach Almond and Berries Salad in a white bowl.

How to Make

Growing up, my mom would try to shake up the ordinary tossed salad. We expected tomatoes, cucumbers, and other raw ingredients. My sisters and I weren’t thrilled when she tossed in some leftover steamed green beans and were appalled if fruit was involved. But the first strawberry spinach salad recipe changed our minds. Since then, I’ve been a huge fan of berries in salads.

To make this lovely version, spinach and bib lettuce were tossed together to form a bed for the other ingredients.
The greens were then topped with perfectly ripe strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
Next, the toasted slivered almonds, green onions, and a few delicate tendrils of fresh dill were sprinkled over and around the berries.
PRO-Tip: Even if the fresh dill sounds a bit odd, give it a try. I typically don’t use much fresh dill, but it was another delicious nuance added to this out-of-the-ordinary berry salad.
All the dressing ingredients except the oil were whisked together before slowly whisking in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
Either toss the salad with some of the dressing right before serving or pass the dressing along with the salad. This delicious twist on a spinach salad is ideal for a picnic, barbecue, or just a weeknight dinner at home.
This recipe is very adaptable. Omit or switch out the nuts to your favorite. Use just one berry or just two or three!

Close view of spinach salad ingredients in a white bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Pick the Best Berries?

Use your sense of sight and smell. They should have a sweet aroma and look plump, and vibrant with no bruises, soft or moldy spots, or areas of green. If at the supermarket, look at all sides of the plastic container during your inspection.

Why Did My Vinaigrette Separate?

If it wasn’t emulsified properly, it will separate. Emulsification is the process where you slowly drizzle in the oil as you whisk. If this is not done or done too quickly, the dressing can separate. But even if this happens, just whisk the dressing again or shake the container well before serving and it will be fine.