Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful, healthy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes! This vibrant salad features fresh strawberries, baby spinach, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends with its bright flavors and appealing presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh fruits and greens, it provides essential nutrients while being delicious.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side or a light main course; it pairs well with various proteins like chicken or shrimp.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy feta will satisfy diverse palates at any event.
- Simple Dressing: The homemade balsamic glaze adds depth without the need for complex flavors.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, it’s essential to gather the right tools. This ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving bowls
- Heat-proof bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Whisk: Enables you to combine the dressing ingredients smoothly for an even flavor.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for making the balsamic glaze, allowing it to reduce properly.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing all your salad ingredients together without spilling.
- Heat-proof bowl: Necessary for cooling the balsamic glaze without risk of damage.
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
For the Salad
- 10 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, some of them chopped)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
- In a small saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour the glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool. It will thicken further as it cools.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients except for the pecans.
- Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
- Divide the salad among individual serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with whole and chopped toasted pecans.
- Drizzle each serving with your prepared balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Enjoy your refreshing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Serving your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can elevate any meal. This vibrant dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it.
As a Standalone Meal
- A light lunch option: Enjoy the salad on its own for a refreshing and nutritious midday meal.
- Ideal for picnics: Pack it in a portable container for an easy outdoor lunch or snack.
Pairing with Grilled Proteins
- Grilled chicken: The salad complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken beautifully.
- Shrimp skewers: Add a touch of elegance by serving the salad alongside marinated shrimp.
Accompanying Comfort Foods
- Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies to create a balanced plate full of textures and flavors.
- Quiche: Serve this salad as a fresh contrast to savory quiche for brunch gatherings.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Creating the perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries will add vibrant color and flavor.
- Toast your pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, making your salad even more delicious.
- Adjust sweetness: Modify the honey in the dressing to suit your taste preferences; add more if you like it sweeter.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after assembling it to keep the greens crisp.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
This delightful salad pairs well with various side dishes. Consider these options for a complete meal experience.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies on skewers, lightly seasoned, provide a great complement.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish adds protein and fiber, making your meal more filling.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread offers a comforting touch that balances the freshness of the salad.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create an Italian-inspired side that matches well.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with tangy flavors in the salad.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy element that pairs perfectly with spinach and strawberries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be quick and easy, but there are common mistakes that can impact the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key. Always use fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Overdressing the salad: A little balsamic glaze goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more to taste to avoid sogginess.
- Neglecting to toast pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Skip this step, and you miss out on that rich, nutty taste.
- Skipping the cooling step for the dressing: Allowing the balsamic glaze to cool helps it thicken properly. If used immediately, it may be too runny.
- Not balancing flavors: Ensure a balance between sweet and savory with your dressing. Adjust honey or vinegar as needed to suit your palate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the delicate nature of spinach and strawberries.
- If needed, you can freeze the balsamic glaze separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm ingredients briefly, ensuring they don’t wilt or become mushy.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until warmed through; be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until just warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead but keep the dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.
What variations can I try with this strawberry spinach salad?
You can add grilled chicken, avocado, or swap feta cheese for goat cheese. Customize with your favorite nuts or seeds!
How do I store leftover 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate until serving.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients in advance, but dress them just before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and simple but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or dressings! Enjoy experimenting with this delightful recipe!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Indulge in the refreshing delight of a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, a perfect blend of vibrant flavors and textures. This quick and healthy dish combines fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a rich homemade balsamic glaze. Ideal for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch or impressing guests at a dinner party—this salad is not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it becomes a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or festive gatherings alike.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned, hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze by heating balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese. Gently toss to mix.
- Divide the salad among serving bowls. Top with toasted pecans and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Toast the pecans to enhance their nutty taste. Feel free to customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or swapping feta for goat cheese.
