If you’re searching for a dish that is as delicious as it is nutritious, look no further than the Strawberry Spinach Salad. This vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday celebrations, picnics, potlucks, or any gathering with friends and family.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad combines fresh fruits, creamy feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and a delightful homemade balsamic glaze to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this sensational salad!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh fruits, leafy greens, and nuts, this salad is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and balanced flavors make it a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad
For the Balsamic Glaze (Dressing):
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
For the Salad:
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned, hulled, and sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, with some chopped)
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about half (approximately 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and transfer the glaze to a heat-proof bowl to cool. The glaze will thicken further as it cools. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not overly sticky.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Divide the salad into individual serving bowls or plates.
- Top each serving with toasted pecans (both whole and chopped for added texture).
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over each serving of salad just before serving. This adds a sweet-tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits of Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
- Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
- Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which boost immunity and promote healthy skin.
- Blueberries provide additional antioxidants and fiber for digestive health.
- Pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein.
- Feta Cheese adds calcium and protein while giving the salad a creamy texture.
With only 264 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body!
Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the salad. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Customize Your Salad: Add sliced avocado, grilled chicken, or quinoa for extra protein and variety. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the salad right after assembling to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the individual components ahead of time (wash and slice the strawberries, make the balsamic glaze, toast the pecans) and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or want a dairy-free option, you can use goat cheese, vegan cheese crumbles, or even omit the cheese altogether.
3. Can I Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile—feel free to add or substitute fruits like raspberries, blackberries, mandarin oranges, or pomegranate seeds.
4. Is There a Substitute for Pecans?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are great alternatives that provide similar crunch and flavor.
5. Can I Store Leftovers?
While it’s best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep in mind that the spinach may wilt slightly after being dressed.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements that come together in perfect harmony. Its simplicity makes it ideal for everyday meals, while its elegance makes it suitable for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something wholesome and delicious, this salad is sure to impress.
So grab your ingredients and try this recipe today—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how satisfying it is to eat!
PrintStrawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes! Featuring Feta cheese, pecans, and a simple balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser for holidays, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (except for the dressing)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Dressing (Balsamic Glaze):
1 cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup honey or brown sugar
For the Spinach Strawberry Salad:
10 oz baby spinach, fresh
3 cups strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
1 cup blueberries
⅓ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup pecans, toasted (some chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Balsamic Dressing (Glaze):
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half (approximately 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and pour the balsamic glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool. The glaze will thicken further as it cools.
- The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not overly thick.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled Feta cheese. Toss gently to combine.
- Divide the salad into individual serving bowls.
Top and Serve:
- Top each serving bowl with toasted pecans (both whole and chopped).
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of each salad serving and enjoy!
Notes
- For added crunch, you can substitute or mix the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- The balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 144mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
