Fruit Spinach Salad
A vibrant, fresh fruit and spinach salad with a sweet raspberry dressing, perfect for light lunches or brunch, appealing to health-conscious and fruit lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine spinach, cantaloupe balls, and sliced strawberries in a large salad bowl; toss gently.
- In a small bowl, combine raspberry preserves, raspberry white wine vinegar, honey, and olive oil; stir with a wire whisk or shake in a covered jar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the spinach mixture and toss well to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds. You can substitute the honey with agave syrup for a vegan option. If cantaloupe isn't in season, fresh watermelon or peach slices work well as alternatives. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare the dressing just before serving to maintain the spinach's crispness.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Spinach Salad With Strawberries for a vibrant meal. Serve it at summer picnics or barbecues, and consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the spinach may wilt, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. If reheating is necessary, gently warm the salad in a microwave, but keep in mind that spinach is best served fresh and cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Spinach Salad contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance, it's best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. If making ahead, store the spinach and fruits separately from the dressing.
What kind of vinegar can I use instead of raspberry white wine vinegar?
If you don't have raspberry white wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that the taste will slightly change.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by substituting honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. All other ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).