If ever there was a salad that could make you crave more greens, it’s the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. Overflowing with juicy blueberries, baby spinach, and a tangy-sweet citrus dressing, this salad is a stunning explosion of color and vibrant flavors. The toasted almonds and creamy feta give it just the right amount of crunch and richness, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or the star side at a summer gathering, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite when you want something fresh, wholesome, and utterly delicious.

Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is how each ingredient truly shines, yet plays so well with the others. With just a handful of elements, the combination of flavors, textures, and colors turns every forkful into a celebration—here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters.

Fresh baby spinach: Tender, mild, and makes the perfect green base for all the vibrant toppings.
Fresh blueberries: Juicy bursts of sweetness for a delightful contrast with the earthy spinach and tangy cheese.
Crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty element that beautifully balances out the sweet and citrus notes.
Sliced almonds, toasted: Toasting the almonds amps up their rich, nutty flavor and gives the salad a satisfying crunch.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Just a bit adds color and a gentle bite without overwhelming the freshness of the other ingredients.

Orange juice (freshly squeezed): The heart of the dressing; its natural sweetness and brightness lift every bite.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds essential tang and depth to balance the sweetness of the oranges and honey.
Honey or maple syrup: A drizzle of sweetness mellows out the acidity and complements the blueberries.
Olive oil: Rich, smooth, and brings the vinaigrette together while coating the salad perfectly.
Poppy seeds: Tiny gems that add a gentle crunch and make the dressing uniquely delightful.
Dijon mustard: Whisks in a little zip and helps the dressing emulsify for a creamy finish.
Salt and black pepper: The must-have seasonings to round out and elevate all the salad flavors.

How to Make Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Start by gently rinsing and spinning dry your fresh baby spinach—this keeps the greens perfectly crisp and ready to soak up the flavors. Wash your blueberries well, pat them dry, and slice the red onion as thinly as possible so it melds right into the salad. Crumble the feta and toast your almonds for just a few minutes in a dry skillet; you’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden and release a nutty aroma.

Step 2: Mix the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small mixing bowl or jar, add the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk briskly or shake well until the dressing turns slightly creamy and everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and tweak as you like—maybe an extra pinch of salt or a touch more honey if you love sweetness.

Step 3: Assemble the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

In a roomy salad bowl, combine the spinach, blueberries, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and sliced red onion. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together, making sure each leaf gets a little of that citrusy magic. The feta will cling to the greens while the nuts and berries tumble through—every bite will be loaded with contrast and flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Right Away

The best part about the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is how quickly it comes together! Serve it immediately so the spinach stays perky and the nuts super crunchy. If you want to add more protein, grilled chicken or salmon are stellar options—just layer slices right on top.

How to Serve Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Garnishes

Don’t be afraid to play with garnishes! Try a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds, a handful of fresh mint leaves, or even a few edible flowers if you want to impress. Sometimes, a tiny zest of orange or a grinding of fresh cracked black pepper can take the salad from pretty to extraordinary.

Side Dishes

This salad is a star on its own, but it truly sings when served alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a hearty grain pilaf. For a simple lunch, pair it with crusty bread or a veggie-packed soup for a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s full of color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or parties, plate the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing on a large platter for gorgeous buffet presentation. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve individual portions in mason jars or elegant glass bowls. Layering the ingredients can turn the salad into a beautiful trifle of greens and jewel-toned toppings—almost too pretty to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the dressing separate from the salad and toss them together just before eating. This keeps the spinach fresh and prevents it from wilting.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as fresh spinach, blueberries, and feta don’t maintain their texture after thawing. The dressing alone, however, can be made ahead and kept in the freezer in a sealed container; give it a good whisk or shake once thawed before using.

Reheating

Since Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t necessary—or recommended. If the nuts lose their crunch in the fridge, briefly toast some fresh and add them just before serving for that extra satisfying bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh blueberries are ideal for this salad because they hold their shape and juiciness, but in a pinch, you can use thawed frozen blueberries—just pat them dry thoroughly to avoid extra moisture.

What’s a good substitute for feta if I don’t eat dairy?

To keep the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing dairy-free, try a plant-based feta or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a lightly cheesy, umami flavor.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The orange poppy seed dressing can be whipped up several days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using to re-blend the ingredients.

How can I add protein to make it a main meal?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas fit right in. Simply layer your protein of choice over the assembled salad for a hearty, satisfying dinner or lunch.

Are there other nuts that would work instead of almonds?

Definitely—pecans or walnuts bring their own unique crunch and flavor to the Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. Toast them for the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing really is the ultimate way to celebrate the goodness of fresh seasonal produce. It’s bright, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again, and sharing the recipe with everyone who takes a bite!

Blueberry Spinach Salad with Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Blueberry Spinach Salad with a zesty Orange Poppy Seed Dressing, perfect for a light and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
pinch of salt and black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine spinach, blueberries, feta, toasted almonds, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Toss Salad: Pour dressing over salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.