Red, White, and Blue Salad

Summer Salad

When it comes to refreshing summer salads, it’s hard to beat the vibrant flavors and colors of this Red, White, and Blue Salad. Made with a delightful mix of baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and fresh blueberries, and topped with crumbled feta and slivered almonds, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Choose Your Dressing

For the dressing, you have the option of using either a strawberry or raspberry vinaigrette. Personally, I prefer the strawberry dressing, but if you can’t find it, raspberry vinaigrette works just as well.

Ingredients for Red, White, and Blue Salad

• 5 oz container of baby spinach
• 6 oz container of crumbled feta
• 1 cup of sliced almonds
• 1 pint of blueberries
• 1 pint of strawberries
• 1 container of strawberry or raspberry vinaigrette

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the produce
2. Slice strawberries
3. Into a big bowl add the spinach
4. Top with blueberries, strawberries, feta, and almonds
5. Toss to combine
6. Add the dressing just before serving or let each person add their own

A Holiday Favorite

I first tried this salad at my daughter’s house on Easter. Her boyfriend’s mom brought it to accompany the lamb chops we were having, and it turned out to be the perfect pairing. I love how the red, white, and blue colors in this salad evoke thoughts of summer and the 4th of July.

Prepare Ahead

This salad is not only perfect for summer holidays, but it’s also an easy dish to bring to a gathering to be shared. Another great idea is to serve it for brunch alongside some chicken salad croissants. If you decide to prepare this salad ahead of time, I recommend waiting until just before serving to add the dressing, or you can let each individual add their own dressing.

Incredibly Easy

This Red, White, and Blue Salad is incredibly easy to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare. It’s a wonderful addition to any summer meal and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Extra Tips & Suggestions

Choosing Fresh Berries

Finding the freshest strawberries and blueberries can make a big difference in the flavor and quality of your dishes. Here are some tips for selecting the best berries:

• Appearance: Look for berries that are plump, firm, and brightly colored. Avoid berries that are dull, mushy, or have moldy spots.
• Smell: Fresh berries should have a sweet, fruity aroma. If they don’t smell like much, they may not be as flavorful.
• Stem: For strawberries, check the stem end. It should be green and fresh-looking, not dried out or moldy.
• Size: While larger berries can be visually appealing, smaller berries often have more intense flavor.
• Container: If buying berries in a container, check the bottom for any signs of mold or juice, which could indicate that the berries are overripe or damaged.
• Seasonality: Buy berries when they are in season for the best flavor and quality. In the United States, strawberries are in season from late spring to early summer, while blueberries are in season from late spring to late summer.
• Local and Organic: Whenever possible, buy berries from local farmers or growers. Local berries are likely to be fresher since they haven’t traveled as far, and organic berries are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
• Storage: Store berries in the refrigerator and wash them just before eating to prolong their freshness.

Storing Leftovers

While this  Red, White, and Blue Salad is best enjoyed the day it is made, should you have leftovers, follow these tips to maintain freshness:

• Separate Dressing: Store any leftover dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
• Remove Toppings: If possible, remove any toppings like almonds or feta cheese and store them separately to maintain their texture.
• Store Salad: Place the remaining salad in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container and on top of the salad to absorb excess moisture.
• Eat Soon: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat the leftovers within a day or two for optimal taste and texture.

By following these tips, you can help prolong the freshness and flavor of your leftover Red, White, and Blue Salad.

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