This Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor—ready in just 15 minutes! Tossed with feta cheese, crunchy pecans, juicy berries, and a simple balsamic glaze, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Serve it as a quick weeknight side dish, a healthy lunch, or a festive salad for holidays, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick & Easy: Only 7 simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make.
- Fresh & Healthy: Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, parties, and holiday menus.
- Versatile: Works as a light side, a colorful party dish, or even a full meal with added protein.
Ingredients
This salad comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Spinach – a nutrient-packed leafy green full of vitamins and minerals.
- Strawberries – sweet, juicy, and rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Blueberries – add extra color, flavor, and health benefits.
- Feta cheese – creamy, tangy, and the perfect contrast to the sweet fruit.
- Pecans – toasted for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Balsamic glaze – made with just balsamic vinegar + honey (or brown sugar).
How to Make the Balsamic Glaze
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup balsamic vinegar and ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar).
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces by half (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool—the glaze will continue to thicken.
💡 Shortcut: Use store-bought balsamic glaze, aged balsamic vinegar, or your favorite balsamic vinaigrette.
Salad Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta. Toss gently.
- Divide among serving bowls and top with whole and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Variations & Substitutions
- Greens: Swap spinach for arugula, kale, or mixed greens.
- Berries: Use raspberries, blackberries, or any seasonal fruit.
- Nuts: Try walnuts, almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
- Cheese: Goat cheese, parmesan, blue cheese, or Cotija work well.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble salad ingredients (without pecans or glaze) and refrigerate up to 3 days. Add toppings just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep nuts and glaze separate until serving.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This Strawberry Spinach Salad shines in any setting:
- Quick and healthy weeknight side dish
- Summer BBQs and picnics
- Festive holiday gatherings (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day)
- Parties, birthdays, and potlucks
More Spinach + Strawberry Salad Ideas
- Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Mango, and Avocado
- Bacon & Strawberry Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds
- Quinoa Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing
✨ Fresh, simple, and bursting with flavor—this Strawberry Spinach Salad will become your go-to recipe for any season!