Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in 15 minutes! This delicious salad features Feta cheese, pecans, and a simple Balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and is always a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad is ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: Packed with spinach, strawberries, and blueberries, this dish offers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for summer.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal. It fits perfectly into various occasions.
Nutrient-Rich: This salad is not only tasty but also loaded with vitamins and minerals, supporting your health goals.
Easy Cleanup: With minimal prep and no cooking required, you’ll spend less time cleaning up afterward.

Tools and Preparation

To make your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand helps streamline the process. Here are the essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Salad bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Salad bowl: A large bowl provides enough space to mix all your ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk: This tool ensures that your Balsamic dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing strawberries quick and easy while ensuring even pieces.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board protects your surfaces while preparing the fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

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)

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and honey.
Whisk until fully blended.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries.
Gently toss to mix the fruits with the greens.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
Add toasted pecans, mixing gently to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
Toss lightly to coat all ingredients without bruising the spinach.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad right away to enjoy its freshness!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this refreshing salad.

As a Light Lunch

Pair with grilled chicken for added protein.
Serve alongside whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal.

As a Side Dish

Accompany it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
Present it next to a hearty main dish like grilled salmon or steak.

For Picnics and Gatherings

Pack in portable containers for easy transport.
Offer individual servings in cups for convenience at outdoor events.

With Additional Proteins

Add chickpeas or quinoa for a vegetarian boost.
Toss in sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

To elevate your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

Choose fresh ingredients: Always opt for ripe strawberries and crisp spinach to maximize taste.
Toast the pecans: Lightly toast pecans before adding them; this brings out their nutty flavor.
Make the dressing ahead: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance for a quicker assembly during mealtime.
Balance flavors: Adjust honey or vinegar levels in the dressing to suit your palate—sweet versus tangy is key.

Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This delightful salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

Grilled Chicken: A juicy, seasoned chicken breast adds protein and makes the meal heartier.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs provides a nutritious base that complements the salad’s freshness.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread offers a comforting contrast to the lightness of the salad.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and earthy flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
Hummus and Veggies: A platter of colorful veggies with hummus creates a fun and healthy appetizer option.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad dressed lightly can be a filling side that balances out the salad’s textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be effortless, but some common mistakes can affect the taste and presentation. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted spinach and strawberries will ruin the salad’s freshness. Always choose the freshest produce for the best flavor.
Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to suit your taste.
Neglecting Texture Variations: A salad without texture can be bland. Include both crunchy nuts and creamy feta to enhance the overall eating experience.
Ignoring Proper Storage: Storing the salad incorrectly can lead to wilting. Keep ingredients separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Not Balancing Flavors: Failing to balance sweet and savory flavors can result in a dull dish. Ensure that the honey in your dressing complements the salty feta and tangy balsamic vinegar.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
If needed, freeze ingredients separately (e.g., nuts, dressing) but consume fresh whenever possible.

Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Oven: Not recommended for salads; best served cold.
Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will wilt fresh ingredients.
Stovetop: Use only if you want to warm individual components like pecans, but serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious salad.

How do I make a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

To prepare this salad, mix fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans in a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic dressing before serving.

Can I customize my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like raspberries or nuts such as walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.

What dishes pair well with Strawberry Spinach Salad?

This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even pasta dishes for a delightful meal.

How long does the salad stay fresh?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if possible until serving.

Final Thoughts

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Its colorful appearance and delightful mix of textures make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the dressing to suit your taste preferences!

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15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Enjoy a vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad that’s fresh and delicious! Try this easy recipe today for a delightful side dish!

Ingredients

Scale

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)
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until fully blended to create the dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Gently toss to mix.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the top.
Drizzle with the prepared dressing and lightly toss to coat the ingredients without bruising the spinach.
Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American