Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant salad that’s packed with nutrients, the Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is a perfect choice! This colorful dish combines crunchy broccoli, sweet blueberries, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or as a side for your gatherings.

Why make this recipe?

This salad is an excellent way to incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruits into your diet. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it supports your overall health while tantalizing your taste buds. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and the colors make it visually appealing, which is always a bonus when serving guests! 🥗

How to prepare Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves 🥬
• 1 cup fresh blueberries 🫐
• 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly blanched or raw 🥦
• 1 avocado, diced 🥑
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries 🍇
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds 🌻

Instructions:

1. Start by rinsing the spinach leaves and patting them dry.
2. If using raw broccoli, chop it into bite-sized florets. If blanching, briefly steam the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green, then cool them in ice water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves, broccoli, blueberries, diced avocado, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds over the top.
5. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a short time before serving for a refreshing treat! 🥗✨

How to serve Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It adds a pop of color to any dinner table and makes for a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to barbecue parties or picnics.

How to store Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days for maximum freshness. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider adding the avocado and feta right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Tips for preparing Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

• Use fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor. Frozen blueberries can be used but will change the texture slightly.
• Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have available; for instance, you could substitute walnuts for seeds or use goat cheese instead of feta.
• Don’t skip the sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds—these add a nice crunch and extra nutrients!

Variations

• For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or quinoa to the salad.
• Try adding other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or pear for different flavors.
• Incorporate a homemade vinaigrette for added zest!

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but try to add the avocado and dressing right before serving to avoid browning.

2. Is this salad vegan?
   The salad can be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative.

3. What dressing goes well with this salad?
   A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper pairs beautifully with the salad.

Enjoy creating this Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad! It’s a fantastic way to eat healthy while delighting in vibrant flavors and textures. 🥗❤️