If you’re looking for something that’s as vibrant as it is fresh, this Spinach Raspberry Salad will completely win you over. It’s got that perfect blend of sweet, juicy raspberries, buttery avocado, crisp spinach, a little toasty crunch, and a zingy dressing that ties it all together—making every bite sing with summer flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Freshness: The combination of crisp spinach and juicy raspberries is the very definition of refreshing on your plate.
- Rich Texture Play: Creamy avocado, crunchy toasted macadamia nuts, and tender spinach give every bite a delightful contrast.
- Show-stopping Color: With its vibrant greens, reds, and creamy avocados, this Spinach Raspberry Salad is as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for impressing guests!
- Gourmet Flavors, Easy Prep: It feels fancy, but comes together in just minutes for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Raspberry Salad only needs a handful of super-fresh ingredients, each one adding essential flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Don’t skip any—every single one helps create that signature bright, layered bite!
- Fresh spinach leaves: Tender baby spinach is mild and sturdy enough to provide structure for all the toppings.
- Raspberries: Look for plump, sweet berries—these little jewels offer bursts of tartness and color.
- Red onion: Slice it thin—its sharpness balances the sweetness of the raspberries and jam in the dressing.
- Macadamia nuts: Toasting brings out their buttery richness; a little crunch goes a long way!
- Avocado: Slicing ripe avocado adds creamy decadence—choose soft but not mushy fruit for perfect slices.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: This herb adds lively, citrusy notes and a hint of green goodness.
- Sesame oil: Nutty and aromatic, it forms the flavorful base of the tangy-sweet dressing.
- Raspberry vinegar: Bright, fruity, and slightly tart—this vinegar underscores the raspberry theme throughout.
- Raspberry jam: Depending on your sweet tooth, use up to ½ cup—it turns the dressing into a pourable glaze.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget a good pinch of each to round out and lift all the flavors!
Variations
Spinach Raspberry Salad is a dream to customize—swap, add, or adjust based on what’s in your pantry or what flavors you’re craving. Don’t hesitate to let your imagination (or your dietary needs) guide you to new favorites!
- Switch up the nuts: Toasted pecans, sliced almonds, or walnuts bring their own signature crunch and richness.
- Feta cheese power: Sprinkle in some tangy crumbled feta for a creamy-salty accent.
- Make it dairy-free: Omit any cheese and check your jam label to keep this totally plant-based.
- Mix up the greens: Try half baby kale or arugula for a slightly peppery kick.
- Citrus zest: A grating of orange or lemon zest over the top lifts the fruity brightness even higher.
How to Make Spinach Raspberry Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing and drying your spinach and raspberries to keep your salad crisp and vibrant. Slice your red onion paper-thin and halve your avocados just before assembling so they stay perfectly green. Give the macadamia nuts a quick toast in a dry pan, then chop them for a deep nutty flavor.
Step 2: Make the Raspberry Dressing
Whisk together the sesame oil, raspberry vinegar, raspberry jam, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until silky and emulsified. Taste and adjust the jam for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang, if you like—you’re the boss here!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, gently combine the spinach, fresh raspberries, sliced onion, most of the toasted nuts, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. Reserve a few berries and nuts for the prettiest garnish at the end.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the raspberry dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss ever-so-gently to coat everything evenly. Scatter your reserved raspberries and nuts across the top for that irresistible final touch. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Raspberry Salad
- Ripe Avocado Timing: Slice and add avocados at the very last minute to prevent browning and keep their creamy texture looking gorgeous.
- Berry Care: Pat your raspberries completely dry after washing so they don’t water down the Spinach Raspberry Salad or turn mushy.
- Toasting the Nuts: Give macadamias a few minutes in a skillet for max flavor—the difference is game-changing!
- Dress to Impress: Only toss with dressing right before serving to preserve the spinach’s crispness and keep everything bright and fresh.
How to Serve Spinach Raspberry Salad
Garnishes
Make your Spinach Raspberry Salad truly pop by sprinkling a few reserved raspberries and toasted nuts over the top just before you serve. For extra flair, add more chopped fresh cilantro or even a scattering of crumbled feta—this final flourish turns your salad into a centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair your salad with a hearty crusty bread, herby grilled chicken, or a fresh grain bowl for a complete meal. Spinach Raspberry Salad also shines alongside simple grilled fish or as a refreshing starter at a summer barbecue.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning table, serve the salad on a wide, shallow platter to showcase all the colors. Or try portioning it into individual bowls or jars for an elegant picnic or lunch. You can even build gorgeous “salad stacks” using a ring mold—totally Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you anticipate leftovers, keep the dressing separate and store salad and dressing in airtight containers in the fridge. The dressed salad is best enjoyed fresh, but undressed, the veggies will keep crisp for a day or two.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Spinach Raspberry Salad isn’t freezer-friendly—both spinach and avocado lose their texture and the berries become mushy once thawed. For best results, just make what you’ll enjoy fresh!
Reheating
Since this salad is all about crisp, cool, fresh textures, reheating isn’t needed (or recommended). Enjoy leftovers chilled and toss gently to refresh before serving.
FAQs
-
Can I substitute the raspberry vinegar with another vinegar?
Absolutely! If you can’t find raspberry vinegar, try red wine vinegar with a splash of extra raspberry jam. Apple cider vinegar also works and adds a gentle fruity note—just adjust sweetness to taste.
-
Is it possible to prepare Spinach Raspberry Salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare all the components a few hours ahead—wash your greens and berries, toast your nuts, and whisk the dressing. Store each separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
-
What other fruit pairs well in this salad?
Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or even slices of juicy peach are fabulous alternatives or additions to the raspberries—you’ll still get that beautiful sweet-tart contrast!
-
Can I use a bottled dressing instead of homemade?
If pressed for time, a good-quality raspberry vinaigrette will work. However, the simple homemade dressing in this recipe takes just minutes and really makes the Spinach Raspberry Salad sing with bright, custom flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience how fresh and joyful Spinach Raspberry Salad tastes on your table. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every vibrant, flavor-packed bite—here’s to salads that make you feel happy just looking at them!
Print
Spinach Raspberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Raspberry Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for a light and refreshing meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 cups spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and chopped
- 3 small avocados, or 1 large, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup raspberry jam, to taste
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, raspberries, onion, nuts, avocado, and cilantro. Reserve a few raspberries and nuts for garnish.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mix oil, vinegar, jam, salt, and pepper. Whisk together and set aside.
- Assemble Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with reserved raspberries and nuts. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
