Why You’ll Love Spinach Blueberry Superfoods Salad Recipe

The combination of fresh spinach, sweet blueberries, dried fruit and nuts gives you a mix of flavors and textures — sweet, savory, crunchy and soft.
The grains (wheat berries or alternatives) make it more filling than a typical green salad, giving you substance and staying power.
The homemade apple‑cider & honey vinaigrette adds just the right light sweetness and tang to tie all ingredients together without overpowering them.
It’s versatile and forgiving: you can swap grains, nuts, or cheese based on what you have or prefer.
It’s quick to assemble — a perfect “assemble and go” salad that still feels gourmet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad:
▢ cooked wheat berries (or substitute with quinoa, wild rice, couscous, barley)
▢ baby spinach leaves
▢ fresh blueberries
▢ grated gouda (or substitute with aged white cheddar, crumbled feta, blue cheese, etc.)
▢ dried cranberries
▢ raisins or dried cherries
▢ sliced almonds (or a nut of your choice)
▢ fresh basil (or cilantro), finely minced

Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
▢ olive oil
▢ honey (or agave syrup)
▢ apple cider vinegar
▢ Dijon mustard
▢ salt
▢ black pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients (grains, spinach, blueberries, cheese, dried fruit, nuts, herbs).
In a small jar or container with a lid, add the vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper), then seal and shake vigorously until combined.
Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
Serve immediately — or store in the fridge if preparing ahead (see storage tips below).

Servings and timing

Preparation time: about 5 minutes
Grain cook time: about 20 minutes (if cooking wheat berries or another grain)
Total time: about 25 minutes
Yield: ~ 4 cups (makes roughly four servings, depending on portion size)

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh. If not eating immediately:

Store leftover salad (without extra dressing, or with dressing on the side) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 2–3 days.
Extra vinaigrette (if any remains) can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Note: the spinach may wilt and dried fruit soften over time — for best texture, give the salad a light toss before serving after chilling.

FAQs

What grains can I use instead of wheat berries?

You can substitute with quinoa, wild rice, couscous, barley — or any sturdy grain you prefer — for a different texture or quicker cooking time.

Can I omit the dried fruit or substitute it?

Yes — you can omit dried cranberries/raisins (or cherries), or swap them for other dried fruit like dried cherries, apricots, or even go without dried fruit altogether.

What cheeses work well if I don’t have gouda?

Alternatives include aged white cheddar, crumbled feta, blue cheese, or any semi-hard/soft cheese you enjoy; choose based on the flavor profile you want (creamy, tangy, mild, etc.).

What nuts can I use besides almonds?

You can use walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, or your preferred nut — whatever adds the crunch and matches your taste.

Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of homemade vinaigrette?

Yes — a mild vinaigrette, balsamic dressing, or even a basil‑vinaigrette would work nicely if you prefer convenience or want a different flavor.

Is this salad good for meal prep / making ahead?

Yes — you can store salad components separately (greens, fruit, nuts, dressing) and assemble before serving so the spinach stays crisp and texture stays good.

Will the ingredients get soggy if refrigerated with dressing?

Yes — especially the spinach and nuts. For best texture, store dressing separately and toss just before eating.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Absolutely — grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans would pair well and make it more substantial as a main meal.

How do I adjust quantities if I want to feed more people?

You can simply scale up all ingredients proportionally — double for 8 cups, triple for 12, etc. The vinaigrette can scale too, or you can make a little extra in advance.

Can I substitute fresh blueberries with frozen?

You can — but frozen berries may get mushy when thawed. If using frozen, consider draining excess liquid before adding to the salad to preserve texture.

Conclusion

This Spinach Blueberry Superfoods Salad strikes a wonderful balance between refreshing produce, hearty grains, nuts, sweet and dried fruits, and a light, bright dressing — ideal for a nutritious lunch, a light dinner, or a side for a larger meal. Its flexibility and ease make it a great go-to recipe, and you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or what you prefer. Give it a try, and enjoy a vibrant, wholesome salad that feels as good as it tastes.

Spinach Blueberry Superfoods Salad