Basil and Spinach Salad With Blackberries and Feta

Yay for Simple Summer Salads!

Ah, the lazy days of summer have almost begun and that means I have nothing going on, right? Oh, that is so very, very wrong! Some days, I have plenty of time for cooking a big dinner and others I am looking for fast and easy! This simple summer salad is a healthy addition to your takeout pizza or simple crock pot meal.

One of the things I love most about summer is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. My basil is growing so fast that I can barely keep it contained. It tastes delicious mixed into a handful of fresh spinach leaves.

Top it with the sweetness of blackberries and the sharpness of feta cheese and you have a delicious and fresh-tasting salad that takes only minutes to make.

Choosing Ripe Blackberries For Your Berries and Greens Salad

Finding ripe blackberries is key to this spinach salad recipe. You don't want bitter blackberries! So, how do you go about choosing ripe blackberries?

We have a blackberry vine in our front yard, although we don't get as many as we would like. If you plan on going blackberry picking, you can use them on top of summer salads and desserts, as well as freeze them for use in fresh fruit smoothies.

When picking fresh blackberries, make sure the berry is plump and has a rich dark purple color. You don't want berries that are dull or uneven in color. The berries should come off of the bush easily when they are ripe.

What entree goes with spinach salad?

Want something special to go with your basil and spinach salad? Chicken, beef, bison and lamb can be served alongside with this spinach salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve this side salad as a full entree if you offer a larger portion and top it with thinly sliced steak.

MORE EASY SALAD RECIPES

• Citrus Avocado Salad Recipe with Mint and Feta
• Onion Ring Salad Recipe with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Basil and Spinach Salad with Blackberries and Feta