Description
A fresh, vibrant Spinach, Berry, Avocado, and Candied Nut Salad recipe that’s perfect for any season. Enjoy a mix of flavors, textures, and health benefits!
Ingredients
Ingredients List
For this salad, the ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen for complementary flavors and textures:
- Baby Spinach: 5 oz, washed and dried
- Mixed Berries: 1 cup, washed and dried (a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
- Candied Nuts: ½ cup (pecans, walnuts, or almonds), homemade or store-bought
- Dressing Options:
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: 3-4 tablespoons
- Poppy Seed Dressing: 3-4 tablespoons
- Honey Mustard Dressing: 3-4 tablespoons
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Candied Nuts
- Stovetop Method: In a non-stick skillet, add ½ cup of your preferred nuts and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar melts and coats the nuts evenly. Remove from heat and spread on parchment paper to cool.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss nuts with sugar (and a pinch of salt, if desired) and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Spinach: Place washed and dried baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Berries: Gently wash and dry berries. Slice strawberries if using, and keep other berries whole.
- Avocado: Slice the avocado into thin wedges or cubes just before assembling the salad to maintain its color and freshness.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, layer the spinach at the bottom. Top with mixed berries, avocado slices, and candied nuts. For a more structured presentation, arrange each ingredient in sections across the top of the spinach.
- Optional Additions: For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or fresh herbs like basil or mint.
- Dress and Serve
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side to let guests dress their own portions. If tossing, do so gently to avoid crushing the berries or avocado.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately after adding the dressing to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Notes
Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Texture
- Balance Sweetness and Acidity in the Dressing
- Since this salad has natural sweetness from the berries and candied nuts, opt for a dressing that has both sweetness and acidity. A balsamic vinaigrette, for instance, offers a touch of tanginess that complements the berries while balancing the creaminess of the avocado.
- Add Extra Texture
- Adding extra textures can make this salad even more enjoyable. Try sprinkling crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess, or adding a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds or chia seeds for a bit of crunch.
- Use Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
- This salad shines brightest when the ingredients are at their peak. Opt for fresh, seasonal berries and ripe avocado for the best flavors and textures. Frozen or out-of-season berries can be too soft or lack sweetness.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley can add a new layer of flavor. Mint provides a refreshing touch, while basil adds a bit of anise-like warmth that enhances the salad’s fresh profile.
- Serve on a Chilled Plate for Extra Freshness
- Chilling the salad plate can help maintain the crispness of the spinach and berries. Simply refrigerate your serving plates for a few minutes before assembling the salad.
- Try a Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup for a Sweet Touch
- If you’re using a tangy dressing and want a hint more sweetness, drizzle a touch of honey or maple syrup over the salad just before serving. This complements the berries and adds an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the salad.