Okay, so you know those salads that just scream “fresh” and “delicious” the second you see them? This Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts is exactly that! It’s one of those recipes I’ve tweaked over the years because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a salad that’s both gorgeous and ridiculously easy to whip up? It’s got this amazing balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy that just makes your taste buds sing. Plus, it’s packed with good stuff, so you feel great eating it. Seriously, it’s my go-to when I want something healthy but also seriously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts

Honestly, this salad is a total winner for so many reasons. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy, but is secretly super simple. Here’s why it’s become a staple for me:

It’s FAST! Seriously, you can have this on the table in about 10 minutes flat. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.
The flavors are just *chef’s kiss*. You get the sweetness from the raspberries, the creamy richness from the avocado, a nice little crunch from the walnuts, and that lovely tangy dressing. It all just works together beautifully.
It’s so good for you! You’ve got your greens from the spinach, healthy fats from the avocado and walnuts, and antioxidants from the berries. It’s a salad that actually makes you feel energized.

Quick and Easy Preparation

The best part? There’s absolutely no cooking involved! You just chop a few things, whisk a dressing, and toss it all together. It’s the ultimate no-fuss, healthy meal or side dish.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

This salad is a masterclass in contrasts. The sweet-tart raspberries pop against the tender spinach, while the creamy avocado is perfectly balanced by the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s a party in your mouth!

Packed with Nutrients

You’re getting a powerhouse of goodness here. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, avocado offers healthy monounsaturated fats, and walnuts are great for your brain and provide a good protein boost. It’s a salad that truly nourishes.

Gathering Your Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts Ingredients

Okay, so to make this amazing Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts, you’ll want to start with the freshest ingredients you can find. It really makes a difference, trust me! Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad Base

First up, you’ll need about 6 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure it’s nice and crisp; give it a good rinse and pat it dry. Then, grab about 1 cup of beautiful, ripe raspberries. Gently rinse those too, but be careful not to crush them!

Creamy and Crunchy Additions

For that lovely creaminess, you’ll want one ripe avocado. Slice it up just before you’re ready to toss the salad so it doesn’t brown. And for that essential crunch, we’re using 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. If you’re feeling fancy, you can give them a quick toast in a dry pan for an extra layer of flavor! Oh, and if you like a little tang, have about 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese ready to go – it’s totally optional but so good.

Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

The dressing is super simple! You’ll need 3 tablespoons of good quality olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (a nice dark one works best!), and about 1 teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Of course, don’t forget a pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper to taste. Whisking this together is a breeze!

Crafting Your Delicious Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts

Alright, now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where all those gorgeous ingredients get to mingle and create something truly special. It’s so easy, you’ll be whipping this up all the time.

Combining the Salad Components

Grab your biggest salad bowl – you want plenty of room so nothing gets squished. Gently add your fresh spinach, then scatter the beautiful raspberries over the top. Next, nestle in those creamy slices of avocado. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts all around, and if you’re using the feta, now’s the time to crumble it in. Try not to go too wild with mixing at this stage; we want everything to look pretty and distinct before the dressing comes in.

Preparing the Zesty Dressing

Grab a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Pour in your olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, and that little bit of honey. A dash of salt and a good grind of fresh black pepper are essential here to really wake up the flavors. Now, just whisk it all together really well until it looks nicely combined and emulsified. If you’re using a jar, just pop the lid on and give it a good shake! Taste it – if you want it a bit sweeter, add a tiny bit more honey. If you want it tangier, a drop more vinegar.

Dressing and Serving the Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts

Here comes the magic! Drizzle that lovely dressing all over your beautiful salad creation. Now, this is important: toss it *gently*. You want to coat everything lightly without bruising those delicate raspberries or turning the avocado to mush. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to lift and fold the ingredients from the bottom up. Once it’s all lightly coated and looks absolutely divine, serve it up right away. This salad is best enjoyed fresh when everything is perfectly crisp and creamy!

Tips for Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts Success

You know, a great salad isn’t just about throwing things in a bowl; it’s about those little touches that make it truly sing! Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that really elevate this Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts.

Achieving the Perfect Dressing Balance

That balsamic vinaigrette is pretty forgiving, but you can totally tweak it to your taste. If you find it a bit too tart, don’t be shy with adding another tiny drizzle of honey. On the flip side, if you want more zing, a splash more balsamic vinegar is your friend. Always taste it before you dress the salad – it’s the easiest way to get it just right for *you*!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

This salad is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! If you’re not a walnut fan, or just don’t have them on hand, toasted pecans or slivered almonds are a wonderful substitute. They give you that same satisfying crunch. And if you want to turn this into a heartier meal, just toss in some grilled chicken breast, flaky salmon, or even some chickpeas. It really makes it a complete, satisfying dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions about Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts

Got questions about this amazing Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts? I’ve got you covered! It’s such a versatile and healthy salad, so it’s natural to wonder about making it your own.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You know, for the absolute best texture and freshness, I really recommend assembling this salad right before you plan to eat it. The avocado can brown, and the spinach can get a little wilted if it sits in dressing too long. What I like to do is prep everything separately: wash and dry the spinach, chop the walnuts (and toast them if you like!), slice the avocado just before serving, and keep the dressing in a little container. Then, just toss it all together when you’re ready to dig in!

What other fruits pair well with this salad?

Oh, this salad is so forgiving with fruit! Besides raspberries, I absolutely adore adding fresh strawberries, sliced thinly. They bring a similar sweet-tart vibe. Sometimes, I even throw in a handful of blueberries for a different kind of berry burst. A few segments of orange or grapefruit can also add a lovely citrusy zing that’s super refreshing with the creamy avocado and crunchy walnuts.

Is this salad suitable for a main course?

Absolutely! This Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner. To make it a hearty main course, just add a good source of protein. Grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or even some quick-cooking shrimp are divine. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, adding some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even some grilled halloumi cheese will make it a really satisfying and complete meal.

Nutritional Information for Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts

Just a little heads-up: the nutritional values you see for this Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts are estimates. They can totally change depending on the specific brands you use and how you prepare things, like if you toast your walnuts or add that optional feta cheese. It’s always good to keep that in mind!

Amazing 10-Min Raspberry-Spinach Salad

Author: folderfood
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring sweet raspberries, earthy spinach, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups fresh spinach
1 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, raspberries, walnuts, and avocado.
If using, add the feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For a sweeter dressing, add a touch more honey.
Other nuts like pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts.
Add grilled chicken or salmon for a more substantial meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salad
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 24g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: raspberry spinach salad avocado walnuts healthy salad easy salad vegetarian salad