If you’re searching for a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s bursting with colors and flavors, the Spinach and Fruit Salad with Walnuts & Lemon Dressing Recipe is an absolute winner. This salad brilliantly balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements, making it perfect for a light lunch, a dazzling side dish, or even a delightful snack. With the natural sweetness of fresh berries and pineapple, the crispness of baby spinach, and the rich crunch of walnuts all brought together by a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come alive in each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Spinach and Fruit Salad with Walnuts & Lemon Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, and collecting these fresh ingredients is the first step toward salad perfection.
- 3 cups Spinach: Choose fresh, tender spinach leaves for a vibrant green base that’s packed with nutrients and mild flavor.
- 1/2 cup Blueberries: These little bursts of sweetness add gorgeous color and a juicy pop with every bite.
- 1/2 cup Strawberries (cut in half): Their natural tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of other fruits.
- 1/2 cup Pineapple chunks: Adds tropical freshness and a bit of tang that brightens the whole salad.
- 1/4 cup Walnuts (chopped): Provides a satisfying crunch and a toasty richness that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
- Red onion (sliced): Use as much or as little as you like to introduce a subtle sharpness that livens up each forkful.
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, offering a smooth, fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice: The star of the dressing, adding tang and brightness to tie all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
How to Make Spinach and Fruit Salad with Walnuts & Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and gently toss in the fresh spinach, juicy blueberries, halved strawberries, pineapple chunks, chopped walnuts, and sliced red onions. Mixing these vibrant ingredients together now ensures each bite will be a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
Give a light toss to the mixture, being careful not to bruise the spinach or mash the berries. The goal here is to marry these fresh ingredients slightly so they start to mingle without losing their distinct characteristics.
Step 3: Prepare the Zesty Lemon Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, stir together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. This simple yet bright dressing will add that perfect zing that lifts the whole salad.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the lemon dressing gently over the mixed salad and toss carefully once again to coat everything evenly. The walnuts will soften slightly, and the fruits will take on that glossy lemony sheen that makes this salad so irresistible.
How to Serve Spinach and Fruit Salad with Walnuts & Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For a polished presentation, consider sprinkling a few additional chopped walnuts and a couple of whole blueberries or strawberry slices on top. Fresh lemon zest adds a fragrant finish that brightens the plate visually and aromatically.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a fresh counterpoint to richer main dishes. It also works wonders alongside creamy cheeses or as a light complement to a hearty grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful colors, or pile it high on a rustic wooden platter for a casual yet elegant feel. Wrapping the components inside large spinach leaves for finger-friendly bites is a fun twist that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the spinach crisp and the fruits fresh without sogginess.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fruit and greens become watery and lose texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor its vibrant flavors and textures.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, prepare just enough to enjoy immediately or the next day with fresh additions if needed.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spinach for another green?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens can work nicely, but spinach’s mild flavor complements the fruit best without overpowering it.
What other nuts can I use instead of walnuts?
Try pecans or almonds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them lightly enhances their aroma and adds extra depth.
Is the lemon dressing gluten-free?
Yes, this lemon and olive oil dressing is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for many dietary preferences.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Soft cheeses like goat cheese or feta pair wonderfully if you want a creamy, tangy contrast. Just sprinkle some crumbles on top right before serving.
How long does this salad stay fresh once dressed?
It’s best enjoyed within a few hours of dressing as the greens will begin to wilt and the fruit may release juices, changing the texture over time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Spinach and Fruit Salad with Walnuts & Lemon Dressing Recipe. It’s fresh, flavorful, and effortless — a perfect way to brighten up your meals any day of the week. Give yourself the gift of this simple pleasure, and watch how everyone at your table falls in love with its bright colors and delicious harmony of tastes. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Print
Spinach and Fruit Salad with Walnuts & Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and refreshing Spinach Fruit Salad combining fresh spinach, sweet berries, pineapple chunks, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty lemon olive oil dressing. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups Spinach
- 1/2 cup Blueberries
- 1/2 cup Strawberries, cut in half
- 1/2 cup Pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped
- Red onion, thinly sliced (amount to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the fresh spinach, blueberries, halved strawberries, pineapple chunks, chopped walnuts, and sliced red onions. Mix carefully to combine all components.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the salad ingredients together to evenly distribute the fruit, nuts, and spinach for balanced flavors.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, stir together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the dressing is emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss again to coat every bite with the dressing without bruising the spinach or crushing the fruit.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor.
- Add red onion sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
- Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats; feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain freshness and texture.
