Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Citrus Berry Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients. Juicy oranges, tangy grapefruit, and sweet berries mingle with creamy avocado and crunchy almonds for a delightful mix of textures. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of zesty, sweet, and savory—ideal for a quick snack or a stunning side dish.
Packed with vitamin C and fiber, this salad not only tastes amazing but also nourishes your body. The citrusy dressing adds a bright pop of flavor, while the berries bring natural sweetness. Every bite is a refreshing escape, making it a go-to recipe for sunny days or whenever you need a healthy, flavorful pick-me-up.
Fresh and Zesty Ingredients for Your Citrus Berry Salad
- Salad:
- 12 cups baby spinach leaves (washed and dried)
- 3 clementine oranges (peeled and separated into segments)
- ¾ cup fresh raspberries (substitute with blueberries if desired)
- ¾ cup fresh blackberries
- ¾ cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- ⅓ cup walnuts (chopped; substitute with pecans or almonds)
- ¼ cup Feta cheese crumbles (optional; omit for a vegan version)
- Dressing:
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1½ Tablespoons balsamic vinegar (substitute with apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ cup honey (use maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Citrus Berry Salad
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, clementine orange segments, raspberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries. Toss gently to mix.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and Feta cheese crumbles evenly over the top of the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing Citrus Berry Salad right away for the best flavor and texture!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Citrus Berry Salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a light yet satisfying meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside quinoa or couscous. It also makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks—just double the recipe to feed a crowd!
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste or what’s in season. Swap out the spinach for arugula or mixed greens, or add sliced avocado for extra creaminess. If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether. For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time! Wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and chop the walnuts the night before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can also make the dressing up to 3 days in advance—just give it a quick whisk before pouring it over the salad.
Storage and Freshness Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. The berries may soften slightly, so it’s ideal to assemble and dress the salad just before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the greens and berries will be compromised.
Dressing Hacks: Sauce and Topping Ideas
If you’re out of orange juice, try using lemon juice or a mix of citrus juices for a tangy twist. For a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt. To elevate the toppings, consider adding dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Citrus Berry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 cups baby spinach leaves
- 3 clementine oranges peeled and separated
- 3/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 3/4 cup fresh blackberries
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/3 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese crumbles
Dressing
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Combine spinach leaves, oranges, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries in a large bowl.
- Top your salad with chopped walnuts and feta cheese crumbles.
- In a medium size bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until fully incorporated.
- Pour the salad dressing over the salad before serving and toss to coat.