Summer Salad with Mulberries
This vibrant Summer Salad with Mulberries is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish, combining the freshness of spinach with the unique sweetness of mulberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts.
For 2 servings
If your walnuts are not pre-toasted, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely, then roughly chop.
Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and optional honey or maple syrup. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until well emulsified.
Ensure your baby spinach is thoroughly washed and dried. A salad spinner works best to remove excess moisture, which helps the dressing adhere better.
In a large salad bowl, gently combine the dried baby spinach, fresh mulberries, crumbled goat cheese, and the cooled, chopped toasted walnuts.
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Start with about half of the dressing and add more as needed to your preference.
Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and flavors.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always dry your greens thoroughly after washing; excess water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
- 2Toast nuts and seeds just before use to maximize their flavor and crunch. You can do this in a dry pan or a preheated oven.
- 3Dress salads right before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and losing their crispness.
- 4For a make-ahead option, prepare the vinaigrette and store it separately. Keep the salad components (spinach, mulberries, cheese, nuts) in individual containers and combine and dress just before eating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Substitute mulberries with other seasonal berries like fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even sliced figs for a different sweet note.
Cheese AlternativeCheese Alternative
If goat cheese isn't your preference, try crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a distinct savory and salty kick.
Nut/Seed ChangeNut/Seed Change
Instead of walnuts, consider using toasted pecans, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds for varied textures and flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Mulberries and spinach are packed with antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, contributing to cardiovascular health and reducing bad cholesterol levels.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Both spinach and mulberries are high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh mulberries are ideal for their texture, you can use frozen mulberries if fresh are unavailable. Thaw them completely and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding to the salad.
