Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines sweet mangoes, tangy blueberries, and crunchy walnuts with the richness of feta cheese. The salad is dressed with a simple yet delicious honey mustard dressing, making it a perfect choice for a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish at summer gatherings. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with nutrients like vitamins C, A, and K, making it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, spinach, blueberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Fruit: Swap the mango for peaches, nectarines, or apricots for a different twist.
- Greens: Use arugula, butter lettuce, or mixed greens in place of spinach for variety.
- Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pine nuts.
- Cheese: Try blue cheese or gorgonzola instead of feta for a more intense flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best served immediately to keep it fresh and vibrant. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Avoid reheating the salad as it may wilt the spinach and affect the texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but toss the salad and add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
Fresh mangoes are preferred for this salad, but if you use frozen mango, ensure it’s thawed and drained well before adding it to the salad.
3. Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes, you can use arugula, mixed greens, or butter lettuce as an alternative to spinach.
4. How can I make this salad vegan?
Omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese, and ensure the dressing is made with maple syrup instead of honey.
5. How do I store leftover salad dressing?
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
6. What can I add to make this salad a full meal?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon to make the salad more substantial and filling.
7. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, pecans, almonds, or macadamias would all be great alternatives to walnuts.
8. Can I make this salad without feta cheese?
Yes, you can omit the feta or replace it with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
9. How do I know if my mango is ripe?
A ripe mango should be slightly soft to the touch and have a vibrant color with little to no green spots.
10. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Conclusion
This Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. With its minimal prep time and healthy ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side dish for your next gathering. Whether you’re serving it as is or adding your favorite protein, it’s sure to be a hit!
