15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Introduction
This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any season. Combining sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta with a homemade balsamic glaze, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 10 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned, hulled, and sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, some chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about half, approximately 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the balsamic glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool. It will thicken further as it cools. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but not be overly thick.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 5: Divide the salad evenly into individual serving bowls.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the toasted pecans, both whole and chopped, on top of each salad.
- Step 7: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over each serving just before serving for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile in the balsamic glaze.
- Swap pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- If fresh berries are not available, frozen berries can be thawed and used, but drain excess liquid first to avoid a watery salad.
Storage
Store leftover salad ingredients and balsamic glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss together just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh. The balsamic glaze can be reheated gently before use if it thickens too much in the fridge.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad components ahead but combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives that provide a similar tangy and creamy element to the salad.
Print15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant 15-minute strawberry spinach salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans, all beautifully complemented by a homemade balsamic glaze dressing. This light and flavorful salad is perfect as a healthy snack or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Dressing – Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
Salad
- 10 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned, hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, some chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup of honey over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Glaze: Reduce heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half, approximately 10 minutes.
- Cool the Glaze: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the balsamic glaze into a heat-proof bowl. Allow it to cool, during which it will thicken further. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add 10 oz fresh baby spinach, 3 cups sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, and 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Serve the Salad: Divide the mixed salad into individual serving bowls.
- Add Pecans: Top each bowl with toasted pecans, using a mix of whole and chopped pieces for texture.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Finish by drizzling the cooled balsamic glaze over each serving, adding a glossy, tangy-sweet finish to the salad.
Notes
- To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar for the balsamic glaze if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top before serving.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the spinach and berries.
- Leftover balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, balsamic glaze, fresh spinach salad, summer salad, healthy salad, berry salad, feta cheese salad, toasted pecans
