Name: Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh baby spinach; 2 cups broccoli florets (blanched and cooled); 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted); 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Bursting with color, crunch, and irresistible flavor, Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is the summer showstopper everyone needs in their salad repertoire. This clever medley brings together juicy blueberries, vibrant broccoli, tender spinach, tangy feta, and a zippy homemade dressing—all in just 20 minutes! Every forkful is a celebration of contrasting textures and flavors, making it as satisfying as it is nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side for dinner, or a dish that will dazzle at potlucks, this salad truly delivers on every front.

Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, colorful ingredients, you’ll create a salad that pops with flavor and freshness. Each element is carefully chosen for its role—texture, color, or bright taste—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need:

Baby spinach: Provides a mild, tender leafy base that pairs perfectly with sweeter flavors.
Broccoli florets: Adds crunch and a fresh, earthy bite—be sure to blanch just until crisp-tender.
Fresh blueberries: Little bursts of juiciness and natural sweetness contrast beautifully with the greens.
Red onion: Brings sharpness and a pop of color; soak slices in water briefly for a milder flavor.
Feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness that ties the fruits and veggies together.
Sliced almonds: Toast them for extra nutty crunch—your taste buds will thank you!
Dried cranberries (optional): For a sweet-tart punch and beautiful visual contrast.

Olive oil: Forms the silky base of your dressing, enhancing every ingredient.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers brightness and tang to wake up all the flavors.
Honey: Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing into creamy perfection.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli Florets

Bring a pot of water to a boil and toss in your broccoli florets for a quick, 1-2 minute hot bath—just long enough to brighten their color and soften the crunch ever so slightly. Immediately drain and cool under cold water to stop the cooking process and lock in that vivid green. This step is the secret behind broccoli that’s tender but not mushy!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. The honey and mustard create a creamy, cohesive vinaigrette that really brings out the best in every salad ingredient. Taste and adjust as you like; you want a balance of tang, sweetness, and a hint of spice.

Step 3: Assemble the Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

Grab your biggest salad bowl and start with a bed of fresh baby spinach. Layer in the cooled broccoli, then toss in blueberries, red onion slices, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and (if using) dried cranberries. Each layer adds a different appeal—crunch, creaminess, zip, or zing—for perfect forkfuls every time.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour your vibrant, homemade dressing over the salad and gently toss until every leaf and bite-sized morsel gets a glossy coat. You don’t want to bruise the spinach or squash the berries, so use gentle folding motions. The magic really happens here, as flavors begin to meld!

Step 5: Serve or Chill

If you love crisp greens and juiciness, serve right away. For deeper flavor infusion, cover and chill for 15 minutes—the ingredients will get to know each other a bit better. Bring it out, give one more toss, and your Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is ready for applause!

How to Serve Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra feta, a handful of toasted almonds, or a few more fresh blueberries on top will make each bowl utterly inviting. Freshly cracked black pepper or delicate microgreens can also add an elegant finishing touch, pleasing both the eyes and the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even a simple quinoa pilaf for a full meal. Its fresh, lively flavors provide the perfect counterpoint to richer entrées or round out a festive brunch table alongside quiche and fresh bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnic lunches, or showcase it layered in a trifle dish for a party-worthy presentation. For potlucks, build the salad on a platter instead of a bowl, so every element stays beautifully separated until the last possible moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extras, simply transfer the Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay refreshingly crisp for up to two days, though the spinach may soften slightly after storing with the dressing. For best results, keep dressing on the side until ready to serve.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing—the fresh greens and berries lose their appealing texture after thawing. Stick to the fridge for leftovers and enjoy this vibrant dish in its natural, fresh state. If you must freeze, hold back the spinach and blueberries and add them fresh before serving.

Reheating

Thanks to its fresh, no-cook nature (besides quick broccoli blanching), reheating isn’t necessary! If you want to bring the chill down after storing, simply let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Enjoy cold, as is, for the crispest, brightest results.

FAQs

Can I make Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the salad base and dressing separately up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, combine and toss with the dressing. This keeps the greens at their freshest and ensures nothing gets soggy.

What proteins can I add to this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas complement the other ingredients beautifully and add staying power, turning Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad into a filling entrée. Even leftover salmon flakes work wonders here.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan version?

Simply skip the feta or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. The salad is naturally gluten-free and can be fully plant-based with these tiny tweaks!

Can I substitute another fruit for blueberries?

Yes—try sliced strawberries, blackberries, or even diced apple in place of blueberries. Each lends a slightly different note but keeps that gorgeous balance of sweetness and pop that makes this recipe shine.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can swap in white wine vinegar or even fresh lemon juice in a pinch. Either one adds that necessary brightness to tie the flavors of your Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a salad that wows in both looks and flavor, you can’t go wrong with Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad. It’s a snap to throw together and never fails to impress. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of fresh baby spinach, blanched broccoli, juicy blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy almonds. Tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.