Fresh Berry & Greens: Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Craving a quick and refreshing meal that bursts with flavor?

This vibrant 15-minute strawberry spinach salad combines crisp greens with sweet, juicy berries in a delightful dance of textures.

Fresh spinach leaves provide the perfect base for this colorful dish that comes together faster than you can imagine.

Ripe strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness, while a tangy vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Crunchy nuts and creamy cheese create additional layers of deliciousness in this simple yet elegant salad.

The best part?

You can whip up this nutritious meal in just a quarter of an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings.

Prepare to treat your taste buds to a light, fresh, and utterly satisfying culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.

What Makes Strawberry Spinach Salad So Refreshing

• Super easy 15-minute recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy people wanting a fresh and delicious meal.
• Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, antioxidant-loaded berries, and protein-packed feta, delivering a balanced and healthy eating experience.
• Combines creamy feta, crunchy pecans, and juicy berries for a delightful sensory adventure that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Suitable for lunch, light dinner, potlucks, or summer gatherings, appealing to health-conscious and flavor-loving individuals of all ages.

Ingredients for 15-Minute Strawberry Salad

• Baby Spinach: A fresh, nutrient-packed green that provides a soft and delicate foundation for the salad.
• Strawberries, Blueberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add vibrant color and refreshing flavor to the dish.

• Feta Cheese: A creamy and tangy cheese that offers a rich, salty contrast to the sweet berries.
• Pecans (Whole and Chopped): Toasted nuts that bring a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the salad.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Honey: A dynamic duo that creates a sweet and tangy glaze with a syrupy consistency.

Simple Instructions for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Balsamic Glaze

Grab a small saucepan and combine balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat.

Stir the mixture continuously until it bubbles gently.

Lower the heat and let it simmer, watching it reduce and thicken for about 10 minutes.

The glaze should become syrupy and glossy.

Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl to cool down.

Step 2: Build Vibrant Salad Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and scatter fresh baby spinach leaves as your foundation.

Slice ripe strawberries and add them along with blueberries.

Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even distribution without crushing the delicate berries.

Step 3: Crumble Tangy Cheese

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.

The creamy, sharp cheese will create a delightful contrast with the sweet fruits and fresh greens.

Step 4: Portion into Serving Bowls

Carefully divide the salad among individual serving bowls.

This ensures each person gets a perfect mix of ingredients and makes serving a breeze.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Nutty Topping

Toast pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant.

Scatter both whole and chopped pecans over each salad bowl.

The toasting process brings out a rich, deep nuttiness that elevates the entire dish.

Step 6: Finish with Balsamic Drizzle

Take the cooled balsamic glaze and drizzle it generously over each salad.

The sweet and tangy glaze will tie all the flavors together, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.

Quick Tips for a Brighter, Crisp Salad

• Stir consistently and watch the mixture closely to prevent burning, ensuring a rich, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
• Handle strawberries and blueberries gently to maintain their delicate structure, preventing bruising and keeping their vibrant appearance and juicy texture.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to intensify their flavor, releasing natural oils and creating a deeper, more complex nutty taste.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the salad's creamy element.
• Mix whole and chopped pecans to provide varied crunch levels, ensuring each bite offers a delightful textural experience.

Keeping Strawberry Salad Fresh

• Separate wet and dry ingredients. Store spinach, berries, and pecans in different sealed containers to prevent sogginess. Keep feta and balsamic glaze in separate small containers. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality.
• Pour cooled glaze into ice cube trays. Freeze individual portions for easy future use. Transfer frozen cubes to freezer bag. Store up to 3 months for quick salad dressing anytime.
• Gently toast pecans before serving to restore crispness. Drain excess moisture from berries. Crumble fresh feta on top. Drizzle room temperature balsamic glaze for renewed flavor.
• Keep ingredients separately in meal prep containers. Layer pecans and feta on top to maintain crunch. Add balsamic glaze just before eating to prevent wilting spinach.

Sides That Go Well with Strawberry Salad

• Pair Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the sweet-tangy salad, cutting through the creamy feta while enhancing the fresh berry flavors.
• Serve Sparkling Water with Mint: Refreshing, clean drink balances the rich balsamic glaze and provides a palate-cleansing effect between bites of the salad.
• Match Goat Cheese Crostini: Crispy bread topped with soft goat cheese creates a delightful texture contrast, echoing the salad's creamy and crunchy elements while adding a complementary savory note.
• Recommend Chilled Rosé Wine: Fruity, light pink wine harmonizes with strawberries and blueberries, offering a smooth, elegant drinking experience that enhances the salad's vibrant profile.

Mix-In Ideas for Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Vegan Berry Bliss: Replace feta with creamy cashew cheese or nutritional yeast crumbles. Use maple syrup instead of honey for the balsamic glaze, ensuring a fully plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Protein Punch: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Incorporate kalamata olives and replace pecans with sunflower seeds for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Green Goddess: Swap strawberries and blueberries with cucumber and avocado slices. Use a sugar-free honey alternative for the balsamic glaze, creating a keto-friendly option that maintains the salad's vibrant flavors.
• Seasonal Harvest Mix: Substitute berries with seasonal fruits like mandarin oranges in winter or peaches in summer. Keep the base recipe consistent while allowing fresh, local produce to shine through each variation.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of berries in this salad?

Yes, you can easily substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blackberries. Just ensure they’re fresh and ripe for the best flavor and texture.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! The combination of spinach, berries, and pecans provides a nutrient-packed meal rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It’s a great option for a light, nutritious lunch or side dish.

• How do I toast pecans if I've never done it before?

Simply spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Watch carefully to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re done when they become fragrant and slightly darker.

• Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balsamic glaze up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat or bring to room temperature before serving.

15-minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Strawberry spinach salad sparks fresh summer excitement with crisp greens and sweet berries. Quick, elegant side dishes like this Mediterranean-inspired creation deliver pure garden-fresh delight you can savor in moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) baby spinach, fresh
• 3 cups (450 grams) strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
• 1 cup (150 grams) blueberries
• 1/3 cup (50 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup (100 grams) pecans, toasted, some chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey or brown sugar

Garnish:

• No additional garnish items

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Instructions

1. Craft the balsamic glaze in a small saucepan over medium heat, combining balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should reduce by half and transform into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl to cool.

1. Prepare the salad base by gently combining baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and whole blueberries in a large mixing bowl. Carefully toss the ingredients to ensure even distribution without crushing the delicate berries.

1. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly to provide a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweet fruits.

1. Divide the dressed salad into individual serving bowls, ensuring each portion receives an equal mix of ingredients.

1. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Roughly chop some pecans and leave others whole for varied texture.

1. Garnish each salad with the toasted pecans, creating a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.

1. Finish by drizzling the cooled balsamic glaze generously over each salad, allowing the sweet and tangy sauce to enhance the overall flavor combination. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness of the balsamic glaze by adjusting honey levels, creating a perfect balance that suits individual taste preferences.
• Opt for fresh, in-season strawberries to maximize flavor and ensure the salad’s vibrant, refreshing quality.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex texture without adding extra oil.
• Swap feta for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese to make the salad vegan-friendly and accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg