As the days grow warmer and the sun begins to linger a little longer, I find myself craving lighter, more vibrant meals that celebrate the season. One such gem I’ve embraced is the Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts. The moment I toss fresh baby spinach with plump, juicy raspberries and creamy avocado, I feel an instant wave of refreshment wash over me. The colorful medley doesn’t just look beautiful; it offers a delightful crunch from the toasted walnuts and a bright citrus dressing that pulls it all together.
This salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes; its appealing texture and flavor balance make it an ideal choice for everything from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for those days when you’re too busy to fuss over complicated recipes. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious side dish or a light main course, this no-cook wonder is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the freshness of spring with this delightfully simple salad!
Why will you love this Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts?
Freshness Guaranteed: This Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts is a delightful mix of vibrant ingredients that celebrate spring’s bounty.
Quick to Prepare: You can whip up this meal in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it not only tastes great but also supports your well-being.
Versatile Options: Feel free to substitute nuts or berries, allowing you to customize the flavors as you desire.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this colorful salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
Raspberry-Spinach Salad Ingredients
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For the Salad
• Raspberries – Provide sweetness and color; feel free to substitute with strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries.
• Baby Spinach – Forms the base of the salad, adding nutrients; always use fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Avocado – Brings creaminess and healthy fats; cut just before serving to prevent browning.
• Walnuts – Offer crunch and depth; toast before use for enhanced flavor and substitute with pecans or almonds if desired.
• Oranges – Used for zest and segments; fresh citrus brightens the salad—lemon or grapefruit can be used as substitutes. -
For the Dressing
• Shallot – Provides a mild onion flavor; can be replaced with green onions for a lighter taste.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy depth to the dressing; omit for a simpler version if desired.
• Olive Oil – Acts as the dressing’s base for a smooth texture; substitute with avocado oil for a different taste.
• Lemon Juice – Provides acidity; apple cider vinegar can be a substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste for your perfect balance.
This vibrant Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts is not only nutritious but bursting with fresh flavors that are sure to brighten your day!
How to Make Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts
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Prepare Oranges: Begin by supreming one orange and zesting it. Juice the other orange to create a zesty burst of flavor. Set these aside for the dressing.
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Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the orange zest, both orange juices, lemon juice, chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
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Toast Walnuts: In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and golden brown. This enhances their flavor tremendously!
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Emulsify Dressing: Gradually whisk in the olive oil into the dressing mixture until it’s combined and smooth, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
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Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the fresh baby spinach, juicy raspberries, orange segments, and creamy avocado with the prepared dressing until everything is evenly coated.
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Serve: Just before serving, top the salad with the freshly toasted walnuts for that satisfying crunch. Enjoy the beautiful medley while it’s fresh!
Optional: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts Variations
Feel free to bring your own twist to this delightful salad with these creative suggestions!
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Berry Swap: Replace raspberries with strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a different berry brilliance. Each berry brings its own unique sweetness, creating a delightful medley of flavors.
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Nutty Alternatives: Use pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds as nut substitutions. Their varying textures and tastes will give you an exciting crunch with every bite.
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Cheesy Delight: Crumble in some goat cheese or feta for a savory element that beautifully complements the sweetness of the fruits. This adds a creamy richness that elevates the overall dish.
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Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for added color and flavor. Mixing fruits keeps every salad experience deliciously different and fresh.
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Zesty Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist. Just a little heat can transform the whole salad into a more exciting experience!
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Vegan Twist: Omit the honey or Dijon mustard for a vegan-friendly dressing option. This keeps it nutritious and inclusive without sacrificing taste.
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Herbal Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or mint to enhance the salad’s freshness. The aromatic additions will brighten each bite and give it a garden-like essence.
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Grain Boost: Add cooked quinoa or farro to make this salad more filling. This not only boosts the nutritional profile but also adds a satisfying chewy texture to the mix.
Make Ahead Options
These Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing freshness! You can prepare the dressing and toast the walnuts up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply whisk together the dressing ingredients and refrigerate them, storing the toasted walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain the salad’s vibrant texture and prevent the avocado from browning, combine the spinach, raspberries, orange segments, and avocado just before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy the essence of a freshly made salad while saving precious time on hectic weeknights!
Expert Tips for Raspberry-Spinach Salad
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use the freshest baby spinach and ripe raspberries for a vibrant taste and texture. Wilting greens can dull the salad’s appeal.
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Timing is Key: Cut the avocado just before serving to maintain its bright color and creamy texture. Browning can ruin the dish’s aesthetic.
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Perfectly Toasted Walnuts: Toast walnuts until fragrant, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. This simple step adds depth to your Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts.
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Dress Wisely: Allow the shallots to meld with the citrus for at least 10 minutes before adding the oil. This enhances the dressing’s flavor.
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Storage Solutions: If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and add salad ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What to Serve with Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts?
This colorful salad is a delightful centerpiece that pairs beautifully with various dishes, enhancing your dining experience.
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Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the salad’s refreshing elements, making it a satisfying main course.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy, quinoa pilaf adds a nutty texture to your meal, bringing a wholesome grain component that balances the salad.
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Crusty Bread: A warm, freshly-baked baguette is perfect for soaking up the zesty dressing, adding a comforting touch to your vibrant meal.
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Citrus-Glazed Shrimp: The bright citrus notes in glazed shrimp mirror the salad’s flavors, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that your guests will love.
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Cheese Platter: Pair with creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, allowing guests to customize their bites—perfect when served alongside the fresh salad.
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Sparkling Water or Lemonade: A refreshing drink like sparkling water infused with citrus elevates this dish, enhancing the flavors of the meal while keeping it light.
This Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts is a delightful foundation for your meal, but pairing it wisely will truly create a symphony of flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts
- Room Temperature: Enjoy your Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts fresh! Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to maintain safety and quality.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the spinach and avocado may wilt and lose texture quickly.
- Dressing Storage: The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it separately in the fridge; give it a gentle shake before using.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve the fresh flavors and textures.
Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe raspberries for the salad?
Absolutely! When choosing raspberries, look for plump, firm berries without any dark spots or wrinkles. The color should be vibrant red, and they should have a sweet aroma. If they’re too soft or have dark spots all over, they may be overripe.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very important! Store any leftover Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, note that the spinach and avocado will begin to wilt and brown, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Can I freeze the salad for later use?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, unfortunately. Freezing can change the texture of the spinach, avocado, and raspberries. However, if you want to prepare ingredients ahead of time, you can freeze the toasted walnuts for up to 3 months and make the dressing in advance!
I’m having trouble with the dressing turning out too oily. What can I do?
No worries! If your dressing becomes oily, you can adjust its thickness by adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit more orange juice in small increments. Whisk it well to emulsify the mixture. If allowed to sit for a bit, the flavors will deepen and balance out, too.
Is this salad safe for those with nut allergies?
For sure! To cater to nut allergies, simply substitute the walnuts with crunchy pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. They add similar textures without the risk of allergens, keeping everyone safe and happy!
Can I make the salad ahead of time for a gathering?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing and toast the walnuts a day in advance. Just store the dressing and the walnuts separately. Allow them to come to room temperature before assembling the salad fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor!
Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by supreming one orange and zesting it. Juice the other orange and set these aside for the dressing.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange zest, both orange juices, lemon juice, chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil into the dressing mixture until it's combined and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the fresh baby spinach, juicy raspberries, orange segments, and creamy avocado with the prepared dressing.
- Top the salad with the freshly toasted walnuts just before serving.