Spinach & Mulberry Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad that pairs tender baby spinach with juicy, sweet-tart mulberries. Tossed with toasted nuts, crumbled cheese, and a simple lemon-honey dressing, this salad is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Ready in minutes, it is perfect for a light lunch or an elegant side.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place a small dry pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool, then roughly chop.
TIPKeep a close eye on the pan — walnuts can go from toasted to burnt very quickly due to their high oil content. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the lemon-honey dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.2.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified, about 30 seconds. - assemble · ~1 min
Assemble the salad base.
In a large salad bowl, add the dried baby spinach. Top with the fresh mulberries, thinly sliced red onion, and the cooled, chopped toasted walnuts.
- mix · ~1 min
Dress and toss the salad.
Drizzle the lemon-honey dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together using your hands or two large spoons until the spinach is lightly and evenly coated.
- garnish
Add the crumbled feta and serve immediately.
Scatter the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the tossed salad. Serve right away so the spinach stays crisp and fresh.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the spinach thoroughly after washing so the dressing clings to the leaves instead of pooling at the bottom.
- 2Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat and shake constantly—they burn in seconds due to high oil content.
- 3Add the dressing and feta just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the mulberries from bleeding.
- 4If mulberries are not in season, substitute fresh blackberries or raspberries for a similar sweet-tart pop.
- 5Slice the red onion as thinly as possible (use a mandoline if available) to avoid overwhelming the delicate spinach.
- 6Leftover dressed salad will wilt quickly; store components separately and assemble only what you plan to eat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the feta with a crumbled plant-based alternative or salted almonds, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the salad fully plant-based while preserving the creamy-salty contrast.
high proteinHigh-protein
Top the salad with 150g of grilled chicken breast or 100g of cooked chickpeas. The extra protein turns this light side into a satisfying main-course lunch.
nut freeNut-free
Omit walnuts and use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. They add crunch without introducing tree nuts, making the salad school- or allergy-friendly.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the olive oil with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk in the dressing. This reduces the fat content while adding a creamy tang that complements the mulberries.
extra herbaceousExtra-herbaceous
Add 2 tbsp of fresh mint or basil leaves, torn, just before serving. The herbal brightness lifts the berry and lemon notes, making the salad taste even more refreshing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Both spinach and mulberries are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Good Source of Vitamin K
Baby spinach provides a generous amount of vitamin K, essential for bone health and proper blood clotting.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts contribute omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health when part of a balanced diet.
Low-Calorie, High Volume
This salad is naturally low in calories but high in fiber and water content, making it a satisfying choice for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh mulberries are best because frozen berries release excess moisture and can make the salad watery. If using frozen, thaw and drain them very thoroughly before adding.
