If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful mix of textures, then this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, combining juicy strawberries and blueberries with creamy feta and crunchy pecans, all tied together with a simple yet tangy balsamic-honey dressing. Whether you need a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your next gathering, this salad comes together in a flash but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this salad lies in its simplicity, and every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors. From the fresh baby spinach to the sweet berries and crunchy pecans, each component enhances the overall experience, making this dish a delight for your senses.
- Baby Spinach: Offers a tender, slightly earthy base packed with nutrients and a fresh green color.
- Strawberries: Provide juicy sweetness and a lovely red hue that make the salad pop visually and flavor-wise.
- Blueberries: Add bursts of juicy tartness and an extra dose of antioxidants that complement the strawberries beautifully.
- Feta Cheese: Brings creamy, salty tanginess that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Pecans: Deliver a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery flavor to elevate the texture profile.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a complex tangy and slightly sweet note that ties the dressing together gorgeously.
- Honey (or brown sugar): Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing the acidity of balsamic vinegar with a smooth finish.
How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by preparing the dressing—the heart of this salad’s flavor. Gently whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. This mixture creates a beautifully balanced dressing that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Greens and Berries
Grab a large salad bowl and toss in the baby spinach along with sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries. Make sure the berries are ripe and juicy for the best flavor and texture. Tossing them gently ensures the berries remain whole, while the spinach stays crisp.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the top of your salad. This adds creamy bursts of flavor that contrast with the sweetness of the berries. Then, scatter toasted pecans over the salad for that irresistible crunch and nutty richness.
Step 4: Drizzle and Toss Lightly
Just before serving, pour the balsamic-honey dressing over the salad. Toss lightly to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate berries or spinach. This final step brings all the flavors together in a vibrant, refreshing dish that tastes as wonderful as it looks.
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, try garnishing your salad with a few whole strawberries or a handful of pecan halves. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few thin slices of red onion can also add a subtle kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a hearty vegetable quiche. Consider serving it alongside crusty artisan bread or a light pasta to round out your meal without overpowering the freshness of the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or add a little fun? Serve the salad in individual mason jars layered for a portable picnic-style meal or display it in a large colorful bowl that showcases the bright reds and greens. You can even thread berries and pecans onto skewers for a playful, bite-sized presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep the spinach crisp and the dressing from wilting the greens, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients, especially the spinach and berries, which lose their texture and flavor after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day of preparation.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it cold to experience the full bright flavors and crisp textures as intended.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe?
While fresh berries are ideal for that perfect texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen berries in a pinch. Just be aware they might be softer and slightly juicier, which can make the salad a bit more watery.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great crunchy alternatives that keep the salad’s delightful texture without the worry of nuts.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely! Simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. The salad’s natural sweetness and texture combinations will still shine beautifully.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the balsamic-honey dressing ahead of time and store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling it over your salad.
How do I keep the spinach from wilting?
To keep your spinach crisp, always wash and dry it thoroughly before assembling the salad and add the dressing right before serving. Storing the spinach separately from the dressing prevents it from wilting.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how effortlessly this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe comes together and brightens up any meal. It’s a celebration of freshness, texture, and flavor that never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, this colorful, easy salad will become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. Give it a go and enjoy a taste of sunshine any day of the week!
Print
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant 15-minute strawberry spinach salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a simple homemade balsamic honey dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until fully combined and smooth, creating a balanced tangy-sweet dressing.
- Combine the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, place the baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Toss gently to distribute the fruit evenly through the greens.
- Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the top of the salad to add creamy texture and crunchy contrast.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared balsamic honey dressing over the salad just prior to serving. Toss lightly to coat the ingredients without bruising the fruit or wilting the spinach.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the crispness of the spinach and the freshness of the berries.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta if a milder flavor is preferred.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries for the sweetest flavor.
