Mango, Blueberry, and Spinach Salad

This Mango, Blueberry, and Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a side dish for dinner. Packed with sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavors, this salad brings together fresh fruit, leafy greens, and a delightful vinaigrette for a truly satisfying combination. The colors alone will make your plate look beautiful, and the taste will have everyone reaching for more.

Why You’ll Love Mango, Blueberry, and Spinach Salad

Refreshing & Flavorful: The combination of sweet mango and blueberries pairs perfectly with the mild bitterness of spinach, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Packed with Nutrients: Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, while mango and blueberries provide antioxidants and a dose of natural sweetness. It’s a nutrient-dense salad that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a quick dressing, this salad comes together in a flash. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something quick but still delicious and healthy.

Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, cheese, or protein to make it your own. This salad can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it on a weekday lunch, this salad works for almost any occasion.

Ingredients in Mango, Blueberry, and Spinach Salad

Fresh Spinach

The base of this salad is fresh, baby spinach. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, folate, and iron, making it the perfect leafy green for a healthy salad.

Mango (Diced)

The sweet and juicy mango brings a tropical flair to the salad, offering a burst of natural sweetness and bright flavor. You can use fresh or frozen mango depending on availability.

Blueberries

Blueberries add a tangy sweetness to the salad and provide a vibrant pop of color. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which are great for your health.

Red Onion (Thinly Sliced)

For a bit of sharpness and crunch, thinly sliced red onion adds a touch of bite and depth to the flavor profile of the salad.

Avocado (Optional)

Creamy avocado is optional but highly recommended! It adds richness and texture that complements the fresh ingredients perfectly.

Feta Cheese or Goat Cheese (Optional)

For a savory note, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese over the top. It adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.

Nuts or Seeds (Optional)

If you like a little crunch, consider adding some toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. They’ll bring some extra texture and flavor.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

Fresh mint or basil can be used to garnish the salad, adding an extra layer of freshness.

Dressing Ingredients

Olive Oil

A base of extra virgin olive oil provides the richness needed to balance the other ingredients.

Honey

A little honey brings out the sweetness in the fruit and gives the dressing a smooth, natural sweetness.

Lime Juice

Lime juice adds a zesty, tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the mango and blueberries.

Dijon Mustard (Optional)

Dijon mustard adds a bit of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing, making it smooth and creamy.

Salt and Pepper

A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper bring everything together and enhance the natural flavors of the salad.

Instructions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients

• Spinach: Wash and dry the spinach leaves thoroughly. You can use pre-washed baby spinach or tear larger spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Mango: Peel and dice the mango into small cubes.
• Blueberries: Rinse the blueberries and pat them dry gently with a paper towel.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion.
• Avocado (Optional): If using, peel, pit, and dice the avocado.
• Feta or Goat Cheese (Optional): Crumble the cheese into small pieces.

Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, honey, lime juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Whisk or shake until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine the spinach, mango, blueberries, and red onion (and avocado and cheese if using).
• Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated.

Serve

• Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, colorful salad. It can also be refrigerated for up to an hour before serving, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~180-220 (depending on optional ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 10-15 minutes

How to Serve Mango, Blueberry, and Spinach Salad

As a Side Salad: This salad makes a light and refreshing side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It’s perfect alongside any main course.

For a Lighter Meal: Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or a handful of quinoa to turn this salad into a satisfying light lunch or dinner.

With Fresh Bread: Pair the salad with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for a well-rounded meal.

Meal Prep: This salad is ideal for meal prepping. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the individual salad components in advance, but it’s best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Adjust the Dressing: If you like your dressing sweeter, add more honey. For a tangier dressing, increase the lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Add Protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Vegan Version: To make this salad vegan, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a fully plant-based dressing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen mango or blueberries?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen fruit if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw the fruit before using it in the salad.

Q2: Can I make this salad without avocado?
A2: Absolutely! The salad will still be delicious without avocado, but it will lack that creamy texture. Feel free to skip it or replace it with another creamy ingredient, like a dollop of hummus.

Q3: Can I use a different kind of lettuce?
A3: Yes, you can use other greens such as arugula, mixed greens, or kale. Spinach works well because of its mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with what you like best.

Q4: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A4: This salad is best enjoyed immediately or within a few hours of making it. If you store leftovers, the spinach will wilt, and the fruit may lose its freshness. The dressing can be stored separately for a few days.

Q5: Can I add nuts or seeds to the salad?
A5: Yes! Nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch and additional flavor. You can also add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for a nutritional boost.

Q6: Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
A6: Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a hard-boiled egg would be great additions to turn this salad into a more filling meal.

Q7: How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
A7: If you like your salad a little sweeter, feel free to add more honey to the dressing or toss in a few extra pieces of mango or berries.

Conclusion
This Mango, Blueberry, and Spinach Salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s a delightful, healthy choice that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. The sweetness of the mango and blueberries, combined with the earthy spinach and tangy lime dressing, makes for a truly delicious and colorful salad. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit!

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