This blueberry broccoli spinach salad is a delightful way to welcome spring! Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad is not just nutritious but incredibly satisfying. The combination of crisp broccoli, sweet blueberries, and creamy avocado creates a refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering. Enjoy it drizzled with a luscious poppy seed ranch dressing for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Table of Contents
Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 4 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup chopped broccoli
- ½ ripe avocado
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2-4 TBSP dried cranberries
- 2-4 TBSP roasted sunflower seeds (unsalted)
- Black pepper to taste (optional)
POPPY SEED RANCH DRESSING:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk (extra if desired)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1/8-1/4 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
If making homemade dressing, start by preparing it. Mince the garlic clove into a paste and season with salt. Mix the garlic paste with the remaining dressing ingredients and whisk thoroughly. Refrigerate for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
Rinse and dry the spinach. In a bowl, combine the spinach, broccoli, blueberries, avocado, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with black pepper if desired.
Notes
- For a different cheese option, use goat cheese or cow’s milk feta.
- To make the salad dairy-free, omit the cheese, use a dairy-free dressing, and substitute candied walnuts for the cheese.
- If blueberries are unavailable, consider using strawberries, raspberries, or chopped apples.
- Pepitas can be used instead of sunflower seeds for variety.
Variations and Customizations
Dairy-Free Options
To make this blueberry broccoli spinach salad dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and replace it with a dairy-free dressing. You might also enjoy using candied walnuts for a hint of sweetness that complements the fresh ingredients.
Fruit Substitutions
If you find yourself without blueberries, don’t fret! Strawberries, raspberries, or diced apples make for delightful alternatives that still deliver that sweet crunch.
Additional Vegetables
Feel free to customize your salad with additional vegetables! Carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers can add a satisfying crunch and boost the nutrient profile even further.
Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftover ingredients can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing should be stored separately to maintain the crispness of the salad ingredients.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. It actually tastes better when the flavors have had time to meld, so prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance.
What other nuts or seeds can I use in this salad?
You can use slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Blueberry Spinach Salad
- Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries
- Easy Strawberry Walnut Salad
- Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad
- Berry Spinach Salad
Conclusion
This blueberry broccoli spinach salad is a perfect dish for celebrating the arrival of spring. With its fresh ingredients and delicious poppy seed ranch dressing, it’s a dish that everyone will love. For more inspiration, don’t hesitate to check out Elly’s Recipes onpinterest for a treasure trove of delightful salad ideas!
Easy Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad for Spring Bliss
Equipment
- bowl
- Whisk
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup chopped broccoli
- ½ ripe avocado
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2-4 TBSP dried cranberries
- 2-4 TBSP roasted sunflower seeds (unsalted)
- Black pepper to taste (optional)
POPPY SEED RANCH DRESSING
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk (extra if desired)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1/8-1/4 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by mincing the garlic and mixing it with the other dressing ingredients, then refrigerate for a few hours.
- In a bowl, combine the spinach, broccoli, blueberries, avocado, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, adjusting seasoning with black pepper if desired.