Triple Berry Spinach Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

by Meghan Rodgers

May 26, 2021

IF YOU LIKE BERRIES, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS SWEET AND TANGY TRIPLE BERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING. SERVE IT MEMORIAL DAY, FLAG DAY, JULY 4TH, LABOR DAY OR ANY SUMMER DAY YOU NEED AN EASY THROW-IT-TOGETHER PATRIOTIC POTLUCK.

One of my favorite parts of summer in Pittsburgh is shopping at all of the local farmers markets. The opening week or two is a great time for restocking the pantry with honey, pasta and dips. Then, the really good stuff starts flooding in from the area’s lush, surrounding countryside. It’s a delicious wave of fresh, local produce of all varieties. And what’s more? All of the gorgeous, flavorful options won’t let up until well into October or even November. It’s one of the benefits of living in an area with lots of rain, so we might as well enjoy the perks!

I usually get carried away at farmers markets and buy everything in sight — particularly, the berries. They’re so juicy and so much better than anything you can find in the grocery store, I can’t resist. And why should I? It’s a healthy habit that I see no reason to kick. Plus, I love knowing my money is going toward the local economy. It’s a win/win.

It’s also a happy coincidence that strawberries and blueberries share colors with our most important national symbol, the American Flag, so they make great additions to dishes served during all of the summer holidays. In fact, that’s just how this Triple Berry Salad was born. Instead of bringing yet another baked good you’ll regret eating later, serve this sweet and fresh beauty at your next summer barbecue or at your own weeknight family dinner table. It’s a healthy and patriotic pop of fun!

Substitutions

Berries

Of course, you don’t have to use three berries. Stick with just a single type or add black raspberries and mulberries too — whatever you can find at the market or safely find wild in your yard! Each berry offers its own delicious flavor, so you really can’t go wrong.

Greens

Same goes for the greens. Swap out spinach for your favorite greens — romaine, arugula, kale — whatever is available at your local farmers market this week.

Nuts and seeds

Any nuts or seeds will work well. Instead of cashews, try pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or even watermelon seeds for that delicious salty crunch.

Cheese

Feta gives a great white pop to this patriotic salad, but mozzarella and goat cheese will do the same while offering their own unique flavor. Try blue, gorgonzola for a tasty twist.

Go Vegan

I added a bit of feta to this salad to make it red, white and blue, but if you’re strictly vegan, or have vegan guests, just omit the cheese and you’ll be good to go!

Pro tip: If you’re in a huge hurry, skip the prep work strawberries require and go for berries that don’t require slicing or hauling like raspberries and blueberries.