Red, White & Blue Spinach Salad
I love spinach and strawberry salads. It was one of the first things I ordered from the hospital menu after I had my second son. This salad is packed with nourishing ingredients, so it’s one of those recipes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. I swear I could feel my body healing itself.
Since then I’ve experimented with boosting flavor, adding more textures and a little welcome crunch, and even more nutritional value. You’ve got loads of iron, folate, vitamins, and antioxidants from the spinach and berries, plus calcium, protein, and healthy fats from the feta and pecans. It’s a wonderful example of seasonal eating — fresh produce, simple ingredients, and lots of natural color from the garden.
The only ingredient you might have trouble finding is the borage. This little plant is a beautiful old-fashioned herb known for its vivid blue star-shaped flowers, fuzzy leaves, and long history in traditional herbalism. It has been grown for centuries in cottage gardens both for its medicinal uses and for attracting pollinators like bees. Because this salad is patriotic themed, these little star-shaped flowers are a perfect garnish, but you won’t lose anything by skipping them.
This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, garden lunches, and warm evenings on the porch. The sweet berries, creamy feta, and delicate borage blossoms make every bite feel like a celebration of the season.
Ingredients
5 oz baby spinach
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup candied pecans
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh borage blossoms for garnish
Balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic glaze
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients.
Wash and dry the spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and borage blossoms. Slice the strawberries and thinly slice the red onion.Build the salad.
Arrange the baby spinach in a large serving bowl or platter. Top with strawberries, blueberries, feta, candied pecans, and red onion.Add the finishing touches.
Scatter fresh borage blossoms over the top of the salad for a beautiful garden-inspired touch.Dress and serve.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic glaze just before serving. Toss gently if desired and serve immediately.
Optional Additions
Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Swap goat cheese for feta for a creamier flavor.
Cucumber pairs well with the strawberries and spinach.
While I used a balsamic vinaigrette for this recipe, it’s also delicious with poppyseed dressing or a honey-lime vinaigrette.
I hope you enjoy this salad this summer!
