15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

If you are craving a fresh, vibrant dish that blends sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements all in one bowl, look no further than this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’s a refreshing, colorful celebration of flavors and textures, featuring juicy strawberries, baby spinach, crumbly feta cheese, and toasted pecans all brought together with a luscious homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for spring and summer lunches or as a side that impresses, this salad feels like a bright hug on a plate and can easily become your go-to quick recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad shines because of its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing a unique taste or crunch that makes every bite delightful and balanced. Let’s break down why each one belongs in this recipe:

• Balsamic vinegar: The base for the glaze, providing a rich tang that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Honey (or brown sugar): Adds natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
• Baby spinach (fresh): A tender, nutrient-packed leafy green that offers a mild flavor and lovely green color.
• Sliced strawberries: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of freshness and bright red color.
• Blueberries: Tiny pops of sweetness and a contrasting blue hue, adding another layer of fruitiness.
• Feta cheese (crumbled): Salty and creamy, it adds depth and balances the sweet fruit with its tanginess.
• Pecans (toasted, some chopped): Toasting intensifies their warm, nutty flavor and provides a satisfying crunch that completes the salad experience.

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

This glaze is what takes this salad from simple to spectacular. In a small saucepan, gently heat the balsamic vinegar together with honey over medium heat. As you bring this mixture to a subtle boil, it starts to thicken, concentrating its flavors. Once it reduces by about half after roughly ten minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool—it will thicken even more, reaching the perfect consistency to drizzle over the salad.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and add your fresh baby spinach, juicy sliced strawberries, beautiful blueberries, and crumbly feta cheese. Toss gently to ensure everything gets a little love without bruising the delicate berries or spinach. This mix of colors and textures is already a feast for the eyes and hints at the flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Pecans and Drizzle the Glaze

Finally, sprinkle toasted pecans—both whole and chopped—over the salad for that irresistible crunch and nutty aroma. Finish by drizzling the cooled balsamic glaze across the top evenly, letting it coat every bite with its sweet and tangy charm. Your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is now ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Garnishes

Feel free to amplify this salad’s beauty by adding fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced red onions. Both garnishes lend extra freshness and subtle flavor contrast that elevate each mouthful.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect light lunch or dinner option. It also works well alongside crusty bread or a bowl of warm soup, offering a vibrant counterpoint to heartier dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or mason jars. Layering the ingredients thoughtfully creates a colorful visual appeal that’s sure to impress guests. Alternatively, arrange the salad on a large platter for family-style sharing, drizzling the glaze just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the balsamic glaze separate if possible, adding it fresh before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The juicy berries and delicate spinach do not freeze well and will become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this salad is served chilled and features fresh ingredients, reheating is not necessary or advised. Eating it cold preserves the crispness of the spinach and the brightness of the fruit.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Fresh berries are preferred for this salad because they retain their texture and flavor better. Frozen berries tend to release too much water when thawed, which can make the salad soggy.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives that offer a similarly creamy and tangy component to the salad.

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, toasted walnuts or sliced almonds work well too. Just make sure to toast them to bring out their flavor and crunch.

How long does the balsamic glaze keep?

The glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm it slightly or let it come to room temperature before drizzling.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is one of those rare dishes that feels like a treat while being incredibly easy and quick to make. It’s vibrant, fresh, and packed with contrasting flavors that will brighten up any day. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try and enjoy it as a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a healthy snack that feels anything but ordinary.

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