Easy Blueberry Spinach Salad – A Fresh and Healthy Brunch Salad

Brighten up your table with this deceptively simple and perfect-for-brunch blueberry spinach salad. With crunchy nuts, savory feta, beautiful herbs, and a light maple balsamic dressing, this brunch salad recipe is a vibrant addition to any meal.

The Perfect Sunday Brunch Blueberry Spinach Salad

When I sat down to plan a summer brunch menu, I thought back to all the brunches I had been to before. A great brunch salad needs a balance of rich and savory elements with equal measures of light and fresh. I believe that’s why mimosas were invented—to bring that bright, refreshing touch to brunch (and, of course, to ensure Grandma REALLY enjoys it too).

Looking in my fridge, I found spinach and feta—a great start, but not quite a full salad. A quick trip to the store later, I had juicy blueberries, whole almonds, and fresh mint. Tossing everything together with a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil, I ended up with a brunch salad that pairs beautifully with richer dishes.

Ingredients

To make this blueberry spinach salad, you’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the spinach and blueberries. Slice the red onion and avocado.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, blueberries, feta cheese, red onion, nuts, and dried cranberries (if using).
3. Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with avocado slices and fresh mint if desired and serve immediately.

How to Make a Salad a Meal

This salad is great on its own, but if you want a heartier dish, try adding:

• Grilled chicken for extra protein
• Grains like freekeh or bulgur wheat for added texture and fiber
• Quinoa or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost

How to make a salad a meal

This salad is great on its own, but for a bit more heft you could add some grilled chicken for more protein. Or, add some grains like freekeh or bulgar wheat.

Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or a dairy-free alternative.
• Nuts: Use hazelnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
• Dressing: Substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar or orange juice for a lighter taste.
• Greens: Replace spinach with kale, arugula, or mixed greens for variety.
• Sweetener: Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
• Berries: Try swapping blueberries for strawberries or raspberries for a different fruit flavor.

Equipment

You only need one key tool for this brunch salad:

• A good salad bowl 
• A small jar
• Salad tongs

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keep dressing separate in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before using.
• Make ahead: Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Top Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Toast the nuts for extra crunch and a deeper flavor.
• Use fresh berries—frozen blueberries release too much moisture.
• Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side of quiche for the ultimate salad for brunch experience.

Variations

• Berry Lover’s Salad: Add raspberries or strawberries for extra fruitiness.
• Savory Twist: Include crispy bacon bits or prosciutto for a salty contrast.
• Citrus Burst: Toss in orange segments or pomegranate seeds for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Creamy Version: Mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt into the dressing for a creamy texture.

Other great salad recipes

• Roasted butternut squash salad – earthy and fresh salad
• Scandinavian slaw – vibrant crunchy and tangy salad
• Farro and Roasted beetroot salad – hearty and filling

How Does This Blueberry Spinach Salad Pair with Other Foods?

This salad is an excellent addition to any brunch menu. Try it alongside:

• Roasted Asparagus Salad with Poached Eggs – A perfect pairing for a summer brunch – Seasonal Cravings
• Blueberry, Melon, Feta, Fruit Salad Stacks – A creative and refreshing fruit dish – Half Baked Harvest
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing – A sweet and tangy alternative – Seasons and Supper

This blueberry spinach salad is a delightful addition to any brunch table. Light yet satisfying, it’s one of the best brunch salads for a refreshing and nutritious meal. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!