Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

I absolutely love how this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe comes together—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bowl. Whenever I’m craving something fresh and vibrant, this salad is my go-to because it feels light but still incredibly satisfying. Plus, the homemade orange poppy seed dressing? Total game changer that sets it apart from anything store-bought.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even impressing guests at a casual gathering. I’ve made it countless times for family get-togethers, and it never fails to get compliments. If you want a salad that’s refreshing and full of flavor, this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is definitely worth trying—you might even find yourself making it on repeat like I do!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, aim for the freshest baby spinach and ripe blueberries to really let those natural flavors shine.

• Baby spinach: Choose fresh, tender leaves without any wilting or yellow spots for the best texture and flavor.
• Blueberries: Fresh and plump blueberries work best – frozen will do in a pinch, but fresh really elevates the salad.
• Green apple: Granny Smith gives the perfect tart contrast, and slicing it thin helps it mingle with the other ingredients.
• Feta cheese crumbles: Adds creamy saltiness—crumbled feta blends beautifully with sweet and fresh ingredients.
• Slivered almonds: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that compliments the salad nicely.
• Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base of the dressing—use a good quality mayo for best results.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the dressing with a natural citrus zing.
• White wine vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to balance sweetness.
• Poppy seeds: For that signature crunch and nutty flavor in the dressing.
• Lemon juice: Enhances freshness and adds an extra citrus layer.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tartness.
• Ground ginger, salt, white pepper, garlic powder: These spices elevate the dressing with a hint of warmth and complexity.

Variations

I love tweaking this Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Adding different proteins or nuts can change things up in the best way.

• Add some protein: My family goes crazy when I toss in chopped grilled chicken or crispy bacon—turns the salad into a filling meal perfect for dinner.
• Swap nuts: Sometimes I use toasted pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Seasonal fruit swaps: In colder months, swapping blueberries for pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries adds a festive touch.
• Make it vegan: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and omit the feta, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

How to Make Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing and drying your baby spinach thoroughly—wet leaves can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Remove any thick stems if you prefer for a tender bite. Rinse blueberries gently and slice your green apple into thin wedges or cubes, depending on preference. When I first tried this, slicing the apple thin helped every bite have a bit of that tart crunch, which I highly recommend.

Step 2: Toss the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, blueberries, and sliced apples. This mix looks gorgeous already, doesn’t it? Scatter the feta cheese crumbles evenly on top, and then sprinkle the slivered almonds. I like to lightly toast the almonds beforehand to boost their flavor and crunch — such a simple step that really makes a difference!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, white wine vinegar, poppy seeds, lemon juice, sugar, ground ginger, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. I discovered this trick when I added a bit of ginger to the dressing—it gives just a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy notes. Adjust seasoning to taste; sometimes a pinch more sugar or vinegar can brighten the flavor depending on your oranges’ sweetness.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Give your salad a gentle toss with the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy leaves. You’ll want every leaf and berry lightly coated with that luscious dressing for the best flavor. When I serve it at dinner parties, I usually keep the dressing on the side so guests can dress their salad just how they like it.

How to Serve Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a few fresh herbs like mint or basil as a garnish—it adds a surprising freshness that lifts the whole salad. Sometimes, a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds or a zest of orange peel on top gives it a pretty finishing touch that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a light pasta dish. When I make it for lunch, I like serving it alongside some crusty bread or a bowl of homemade soup for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this salad in individual mason jars layered with spinach on the bottom, then blueberries and apples, topped with cheese and almonds—then the dressing on the side. It looks charming and makes for a fun, portable presentation. Another time, I sprinkled edible flowers over it for a fresh party vibe that everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which does happen sometimes, but rarely long!), store the salad components separately from the dressing in airtight containers. Combine just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh—wet greens make the salad sad, trust me!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh spinach and fruits will turn mushy and lose texture once thawed. The dressing can be frozen if you want to prepare it in bulk, but fresh is always best.

Reheating

This is definitely a salad you enjoy fresh, so no reheating needed! If you’re adding chicken or bacon, warm those separately and toss with the salad cold for the best contrast of flavors and textures.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Spinach Salad with Homemade Orange Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it manages to be both simple and so full of personality. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for guests, it always delivers freshness and flavor that brightens the table. I can’t recommend giving this a try enough—you’ll soon realize how versatile and comforting this salad can be. Enjoy the process and have fun making it your own!

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