Patriotic Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining fresh spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese, tossed in a sweet poppy seed dressing for a festive and healthy side. This salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes blends baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Salads cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups baby spinach, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup sliced almonds.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and patriotic colors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Patriotic Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Patriotic Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Patriotic Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Patriotic Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Patriotic Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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