This Strawberry Spinach Salad is light, colorful, and full of flavor, ready in just 15 minutes! Made with sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans, it’s tossed with a simple balsamic glaze that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect as a quick side dish for weeknight dinners, or as a festive salad for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick & Easy: Only 7 ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy & Fresh: Packed with leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats from pecans.
- Versatile: Works for everyday meals, summer BBQs, or festive holiday spreads.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of spinach, strawberries, and blueberries make this salad as pretty as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a tender, mild base.
- Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and rich in Vitamin C.
- Blueberries: A burst of color and natural sweetness.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, pairs perfectly with fruit.
- Pecans: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness.
- Balsamic Vinegar + Honey (or Brown Sugar): Cooked down into a thick, glossy glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Make the balsamic glaze:
In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey until it reduces by half. It should be syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon. Let it cool. - Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, toss spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese. - Top & drizzle:
Divide into serving bowls, sprinkle with toasted pecans, and finish with balsamic glaze.
Variations & Substitutions
- Greens: Try arugula, kale, or a spinach mix.
- Fruit: Swap in raspberries, blackberries, or even mango.
- Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Cheese: Goat cheese, Parmesan, or blue cheese all work well.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for a complete meal.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Prep Ahead: You can make the balsamic glaze up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Assemble Ahead: Combine spinach, berries, and feta up to 3 days ahead without dressing or nuts. Add pecans and glaze just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers keep up to 3 days in an airtight container (though spinach will wilt slightly).
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is versatile enough for:
- Weeknight dinners: A refreshing side that pairs with chicken, pasta, or pizza.
- Summer cookouts: Great with BBQ ribs, burgers, or grilled seafood.
- Holidays & celebrations: Its vibrant colors make it festive for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or even birthday parties.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 264 per serving
Ingredients:
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup toasted pecans (some chopped)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Cool.
- In a large bowl, toss spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta.
- Divide into bowls, top with pecans, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta & Pecans is a simple yet elegant dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat—fresh, sweet, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite!