A refreshing, nutrient-packed summer salad, this Raspberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts is the ultimate fusion of flavor and health. With juicy raspberries, creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and a bright, tangy raspberry vinaigrette, this dish is perfect for a light lunch, dinner side, or a colorful potluck addition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The sweet raspberries and tangy vinaigrette balance perfectly with creamy avocado and earthy spinach.
- Quick to prepare: It comes together in just 10 minutes, with no cooking required.
- Nutrient-rich: Loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
- Customizable: Great with or without cheese, and easy to modify for dietary needs.
- Beautiful presentation: A vibrant, eye-catching salad that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
6 cups baby spinach
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Raspberry Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- In a small blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup raspberries, red wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the vinaigrette emulsifies. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, raspberries, diced avocado, red onion, and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle with the prepared raspberry vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese just before serving, if using.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 230 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and a more filling meal.
- Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Make it vegan by skipping the feta cheese and using maple syrup in the vinaigrette.
- Use mixed greens instead of spinach for more variety in texture and flavor.
- Add quinoa for added fiber and protein.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but you can store the components separately:
- Salad Base: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Dressing: Keep the raspberry vinaigrette in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
- Do not freeze as the avocado and spinach will lose their texture.
FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Fresh Raspberries In The Salad?
You can substitute with strawberries, blueberries, or even pomegranate seeds for a similar fruity burst.
Is This Salad Suitable For Meal Prep?
Yes, store the salad and dressing separately and assemble just before eating to keep it fresh.
Can I Make The Raspberry Vinaigrette Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What’s A Good Alternative To Walnuts?
Chopped pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds also add a nice crunch.
Is This Salad Vegan?
It can be! Just skip the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey.
How Can I Make This Salad More Filling?
Add grilled chicken, tofu, or cooked quinoa to turn it into a full meal.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen raspberries can be used for the vinaigrette after thawing.
Is This Salad Keto-Friendly?
It is relatively low-carb, but you can omit the honey/maple syrup and feta to reduce carbs further.
What Kind Of Spinach Works Best?
Baby spinach is preferred for its tender texture and mild flavor.
Can I Serve This Salad Warm?
This is a cold salad, but you can top it with warm grilled proteins for a contrast in temperature.
Conclusion
This Raspberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts is a colorful, delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce in a healthy and satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a quick weekday meal, this salad delivers freshness, flavor, and nutrition in every bite. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite go-to salad.
More Fresh & Wholesome Recipes to Brighten Your Plate
If you enjoyed the vibrant, nutrient-packed flavors of our Raspberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts, there’s more healthy goodness to explore! For another handheld option, try the crisp and flavorful Fresh Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps. Want to stay plant-based? The Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Patties with Avocado Sauce are a satisfying choice. Craving something quick and nourishing? Whip up the creamy Chickpea Avocado Toast for a protein-packed snack or light meal. For a zesty twist, don’t miss our colorful Zesty Carrot Salad, and if you’re into spinach-forward mains, the Savory Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats will totally satisfy.
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Raspberry Spinach Salad With Avocado & Walnuts
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bursting with sweet raspberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts, this vibrant spinach salad is perfect for summer lunches or light, refreshing dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries (for vinaigrette)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a small blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup raspberries, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the vinaigrette emulsifies. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, fresh raspberries, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and chopped toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle the salad with the prepared raspberry vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese just before serving, if using.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
- Add grilled chicken or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg