Easy Cherry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Easy cherry spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette combines fresh spinach, sweet cherries, feta cheese, and toasted almonds with a 30-second homemade dressing. Perfect summer salad ready in minutes with gorgeous red, green, and white colors for BBQs and entertaining.
This easy cherry spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette is honestly one of my favorite ways to use fresh cherries when they’re in season. The gorgeous red, green, and white colors make it look so fancy, but it literally takes minutes to throw together. What I love most is the cherry balsamic vinaigrette – instead of cooking cherries down on the stovetop like most recipes, I just toss everything in the blender for 30 seconds and it’s done!
The sweet cherries, crispy spinach, and creamy feta create this perfect balance that feels special enough for entertaining but easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner. I’ve tried other cheeses, but feta is definitely my favorite for the salty-creamy contrast, and when I want to make it a full meal, I add some grilled chicken on top.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Perfect for cherry season: Fresh cherries provide natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with tangy balsamic vinegar.
- Ready in minutes: No cooking required – just blend the dressing and toss everything together for an instant summer salad.
- Gorgeous presentation: The contrasting red cherries, green spinach, and white feta create a stunning salad perfect for entertaining.
- Satisfying and nutritious: Packed with fiber from spinach, healthy fats from almonds, and protein from feta cheese to keep you full.
Here is everything you need to make easy cherry spinach salad:
Baby Spinach: The crispy base that makes this salad so fresh and nutritious. I love baby spinach because it’s tender, but you can totally use arugula for a peppery kick or mixed greens if that’s what you have.
Fresh Cherries: Obviously the star! Any variety works – just pit them first. I’ve used frozen cherries too when fresh aren’t available, just thaw them completely and pat dry.
Red Onion: Gives just a little bite that balances all that sweetness. Honestly, you can skip this if you’re not an onion person, or use green onions for something milder.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: This is where the magic happens – creamy and salty against all those sweet cherries. Goat cheese is amazing here too, or try provolone if you want something really mild.
Toasted Almonds: For that perfect crunch! I always toast them because it makes such a difference in flavor. No nuts? Try sunflower seeds or just skip them entirely.
Balsamic Vinegar: The tangy backbone of the whole thing. Dark or light both work, but if you want something fruitier, apple cider vinegar is really good too.
Olive Oil: Helps everything come together and adds richness. I use regular olive oil, but avocado oil works if you want something more neutral.
Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang. Maple syrup works perfectly too if that’s what you have.
Dijon Mustard: Helps the dressing stay mixed and adds a tiny bit of depth. You can skip it if you don’t have any.
Salt and Pepper: Because every good dressing needs them!
Easily Adapt This Recipe for Any Diet
This recipe is naturally easy to tweak! Follow these simple swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan while keeping the same great texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written – just double-check that your balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Simply omit the feta cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.
Vegan: Skip the feta and honey, using maple syrup in the dressing instead for a completely plant-based summer salad.
š” Pro Tip: If you try a substitution, let us know how it worked in the comments!
How to Make My Easy Cherry Spinach Salad Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions that are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Make the Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Add 1/2 cup pitted fresh cherries, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to a high-speed blender. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Components
Wash and dry 4 cups baby spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Pit and halve 1 cup fresh cherries. Thinly slice 2 tablespoons red onion. Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Place the clean spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the halved cherries, sliced red onion, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of the cherry balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately while the spinach is crisp.
My Expert Recipe Tips
Dry your spinach completely: Wet greens will dilute the dressing and make your salad soggy.
Pit cherries safely: Use a cherry pitter or gently press a paperclip through the stem end to remove pits without making a mess.
Toast nuts for maximum flavor: Just 2-3 minutes in a dry pan transforms plain almonds into aromatic, crunchy perfection.
Make dressing ahead: The cherry balsamic vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- BBQ side dish: I love serving this alongside grilled chicken or fish at summer cookouts. You’ll love how the fresh flavors complement smoky grilled foods perfectly.
- Light lunch: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to make this a complete meal. The protein makes it satisfying enough for a main course.
- Brunch addition: This salad is gorgeous on a brunch table next to quiche or breakfast casseroles. The colors make any spread look more elegant.
- Potluck favorite: Double the recipe for parties – the stunning presentation always gets compliments and recipe requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you love healthy salads? Check out more of my easy and nutritious salad recipes:
- Easy Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Panera Bread Copycat
- Feta Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Mint
- Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad with Cottage Cheese
- Healthy Chicken Waldorf Salad w/ Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt
- Bacon Ranch Gluten-Free Potato Salad Recipe
- Apple Fall Harvest Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato
Easy Cherry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh cherries
- 2 tablespoons red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 4 tablespoons cherry balsamic vinaigrette
Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 1 cup cherries (pitted)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 dash salt
Instructions
Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- Add 1/2 cup pitted fresh cherries, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to a high-speed blender. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
Cherry Spinach Salad:
- Wash and dry 4 cups baby spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Pit and halve 1 cup fresh cherries. Thinly slice 2 tablespoons red onion. Optional: Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Place the clean spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the halved cherries, sliced red onion, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of the cherry balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately while the spinach is crisp.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
I love this fresh, vibrant salad, and I hope you enjoy it, too!