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Fresh Blackberry Spinach Salad with avocado slices, pecans, and pomegranate seeds served on a white plate.
Layla

Blackberry Spinach Salad

A stunning summer salad where sweet-tart blackberries meet peppery spinach, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds with a bright balsamic glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups baby spinach washed and dried
  • 6 oz fresh blackberries
  • 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds toasted
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Balsamic Blackberry Vinaigrette
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.25 cup blackberries mashed
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Large salad bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prep
  1. Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. In a small bowl, mash 1/4 cup blackberries with a fork until mostly broken down. Whisk in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Assemble
  1. In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, whole blackberries, sliced red onion, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with about half the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed - you may not use it all.
  2. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Scatter crumbled goat cheese over the top. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Notes

For the best texture, dress the salad right before serving - spinach wilts quickly once coated. No fresh blackberries? Frozen ones work in the vinaigrette (thaw and drain first), but use fresh for the salad itself. Add grilled chicken or salmon to turn this into a complete dinner.