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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly to provide a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweet fruits.
- Divide the dressed salad into individual serving bowls, ensuring each portion receives an equal mix of ingredients.
- 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.
- Garnish each salad with the toasted pecans, creating a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- 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