If you’re searching for a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, let me introduce you to the Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe. This salad bursts with the freshness of baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and plump blueberries, all dressed in a luscious honey lemon dressing that adds a zesty and slightly creamy touch. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of colors and textures that makes every bite a delight, perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are marvelously simple yet essential, working together to create a salad that’s colorful, flavorful, and full of goodness. Each element contributes not only to taste but also to an inviting texture and a gorgeous visual appeal that will make you excited to dig in.
- ½ cup milk: Helps to create a creamy base for the dressing with a subtle, smooth taste.
- Juice of ½ a lemon: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that wakes up the dressing.
- ½ cup mayonnaise or light mayonnaise: Adds richness and a velvety texture, balancing the tartness.
- 1½ tablespoons Onion Onion™ Seasoning: Imparts a savory depth and mild onion flavor to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Offers a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the lemon’s acidity.
- 1 (10 ounce) package fresh baby spinach leaves: The tender greens provide a mild flavor and a nutrient-packed foundation for the salad.
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries: Juicy and sweet, they add vibrant color and a lovely fruity contrast.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Their burst of sweetness and slight tartness add complexity and visual appeal.
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that gives the salad texture.
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional): A creamy, tangy addition that wonderfully balances the fruit’s sweetness if you choose to include it.
- Fresh cracked black pepper (optional): Adds a subtle spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Lemon Dressing
Start by combining milk and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl, letting it sit for a minute or two until it thickens slightly. This creates a gentle but tangy base. Whisk in mayonnaise, Onion Onion Seasoning, and honey, stirring everything together until smooth and glossy. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking—this simple, creamy dressing is what brings all the salad ingredients to life.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, add the crisp baby spinach leaves, then layer in the sliced strawberries and plump blueberries. Toss in the toasted sliced almonds to introduce a satisfying crunch. This combination of fresh fruit and greens creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures that makes the salad genuinely special.
Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently
Drizzle your homemade honey lemon dressing over the salad, adding as much or as little as you prefer. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every leaf and piece of fruit is lightly coated with that luscious dressing. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top and finish with a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Your vibrant Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate your salad even more, adding fragrance and a pop of green. For crunch lovers, a few extra toasted almonds on top will enhance every bite. If you’re including goat cheese, a few more delicate crumbles make the presentation look as inviting as the taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs incredibly well with light main dishes like grilled chicken or seafood, acting as a refreshing, palate-cleansing companion. You can also serve it alongside sandwiches or wraps for a delightful lunch or picnic option. Its bright flavors and textures balance rich or savory dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass bowls or mason jars for a charming, layered look that’s perfect for gatherings. You can also stuff it inside pita pockets or fold it into a wrap for a portable, casual meal. The colorful ingredients make it a showstopper no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate for best results. Store the salad ingredients in an airtight container and the dressing in a small jar in the fridge. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the delicate fruits and spinach lose their texture once thawed. For frozen storage, consider freezing just the dressing or making it fresh each time instead.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, it’s not designed to be reheated. Serve it straight from the fridge for the most vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in the Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or mandarin oranges to add your personal twist while keeping the flavor balance.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep the dressing creamy yet suitable for dairy-free diets.
How long will this salad stay fresh?
If stored properly with the dressing separate, the salad ingredients can stay fresh for up to two days in the fridge.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The honey lemon dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated in a sealed container for convenience.
What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Simply place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about the Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe that makes it a must-have in your culinary rotation. Its fresh, lively flavors combined with creamy, sweet, and tangy notes never fail to please. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side, or a stunning dish to impress guests, this salad hits all the marks. Give it a try and watch how it brightens your table and your mood!
Print
Spinach & Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Spinach & Fruit Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and blueberries, topped with toasted almonds and a creamy, tangy dressing. This salad strikes a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and savory flavors, ideal for a light lunch or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup milk
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- ½ cup mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons Onion Onion™ Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 (10 ounce) package fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the milk and lemon juice. Let the mixture stand for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, whisk in the mayonnaise, Onion Onion™ Seasoning, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, place the fresh baby spinach leaves. Add the sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and toasted sliced almonds. Gently toss the ingredients to combine evenly.
- Add dressing and finish: Drizzle the desired amount of the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing. If desired, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute in the dressing.
- To toast almonds, spread them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Goat cheese is optional but adds a creamy tangy flavor that complements the fruit and spinach.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain freshness and avoid wilting of spinach.
