This spinach berry salad takes baby spinach, a blend of fresh berries, roasted walnuts, and some salty goat cheese and tosses it in a delicious homemade poppy seed dressing.

Summertime is here, and berries are in abundance! What better way to use up those fresh and juicy berries, than in a light and refreshing salad?

This spinach berry salad has tender baby spinach, tossed with creamy goat cheese, and a trio of sweet berries – strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries-mixed with earthy, toasted walnuts. 

It’s all dressed in a homemade poppy seed dressing that is both tangy and creamy, with thick Greek yogurt, milk, sweet honey, tangy dijon, and poppyseeds. 

It’s perfect as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for your next barbecue.

Trust me, this spinach berry salad will be your go-to salad of the summer!

Craving even more summer salads? Try my Green Goddess Salad, Burrata Caprese Salad, or my Cucumber Tomato Salad!

Ingredients for spinach berry salad 

For salad: 

• Baby spinach – Baby spinach is perfect because it’s tender and packs tons of nutrients. 
• Berry blend – I’ve used a blend of fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, and fresh blueberries for this spinach berry salad.
• Roasted walnuts – Roasted walnuts will give a nutty crunch to the salad.
• Goat cheese – Goat cheese will give the spinach berry salad a salty bite.

For poppy seed dressing: 

• Plain Greek yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt is tangy and creamy.
• Milk – Milk will help thin out the dressing to the perfect consistency. 
• Honey – Honey will add a touch of sweetness to the dressing. 
• Dijon mustard – Dijon is the perfect blend of tangy, tart, and savory. 
• Poppy seeds – Poppy seeds will add nuttiness and crunch.

When to serve a spinach berry salad

This salad is perfect for packing as a lunch for work! 

Simply gather the salad ingredients in an airtight container, and keep the dressing separate in its own container until you’re ready to dig in!

You can also serve it up at a BBQ in a big bowl, with the dressing in a separate serving dish, and let guests help themselves!

What to serve with spinach poppyseed dressing salad

Looking to serve this salad as a side dish to a flavorful dish? Here are a few tasty recipes where this salad would pair nicely and deliciously.

• Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
• Sweet Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs

Additions and variations

This spinach berry salad can be customized in so many ways!

• Change up the berry blend! Try adding blackberries, or using only strawberries.
• Try different nuts. I’ve used roasted walnuts here, but pecans, cashews, or almonds would also be perfect!
• Not a fan of goat cheese? No problem! Try some crumbled feta instead!
• Need a protein boost? Try adding in some pre-cooked chicken, tuna, or your favorite meat-substitute crumbles.
• Don’t love spinach? Try using a mix of baby greens or even crunchy romaine lettuce.

Using storebought dressing

I’m giving you the recipe for homemade poppy seed dressing in this post but if you’re not in the mood to make your own that is ok!

You can easily substitute with storebought dressing or feel free to use whatever dressing you love with berries and spinach.

I personally think this salad would be great served with my Greek Yogurt Green Goddess Dressing as well!

Storage and leftovers

The poppy seed dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The salad can be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. 

More salad recipes

• Using the freshest summertime produce? Try my Tomato Peach Caprese Salad
• Need something cool and creamy? Try my Creamy Horseradish Cucumber Salad
• Want something packed with nutrients? Try my Butternut Squash Salad
• Love the combination of sweet and salty? Try my Peach Feta Salad