Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing dish that combines vibrant colors and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients from fresh fruits and greens. With its sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, this dish will impress your guests at picnics, brunches, or as a light dinner side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Prepare: This salad can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese creates a delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs well with grilled meats and sandwiches.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from fresh spinach and fruits, this salad is a health-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, holiday dinner, or casual lunch, this salad fits seamlessly into any menu.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready ensures you won’t miss any steps while preparing this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Heat-proof bowl
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Serving bowls

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
  • Small saucepan: This is crucial for making the balsamic glaze, ensuring even heating and thickening.
  • Heat-proof bowl: Used to cool down the glaze properly while preventing burns.

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, hulled, and sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and some chopped
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How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 2: Thicken the Glaze

Reduce the heat to simmer. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half. This should take approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Cool Down the Glaze

Remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool. The glaze will thicken further as it cools.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all these fresh ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve

Divide the salad mixture evenly into individual serving bowls. Top each serving with whole and chopped toasted pecans. Drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze before serving. Enjoy your beautifully vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad

Serving Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful experience that enhances its vibrant flavors. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant dinners.

Individual Bowls

  • Serve the salad in individual bowls for a beautiful presentation. This allows each guest to appreciate the colorful ingredients and makes serving easy.

Family Style

  • Present the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves, encouraging sharing and conversation around the meal.

Picnic Ready

  • Pack individual servings in mason jars for a fun picnic treat. Layer the ingredients starting with spinach at the bottom and top with strawberries, blueberries, and nuts, ensuring freshness until ready to eat.

Light Lunch Option

  • Pair this salad with a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. It makes for a satisfying yet light lunch that is packed with nutrients.

How to Perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad

To make your Strawberry Spinach Salad truly exceptional, consider these tips that enhance flavor and presentation.

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for optimal taste. Fresh produce not only tastes better but also provides more nutrients.

  • Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze: Preparing your glaze adds depth of flavor. The homemade version is simple and allows you to control sweetness.

  • Toast Your Nuts: Toasting pecans before adding them gives a richer flavor and crunch. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

  • Add Seasonal Fruits: Experiment with seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries for variety throughout the year. This keeps your salad exciting and fresh-tasting.

  • Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill slightly before serving enhances its refreshing qualities. Just 10–15 minutes in the refrigerator will do wonders.

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Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Spinach Salad can elevate your meal further. Here are some great options to consider:

  1. Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs complements the salad’s flavors while providing protein.
  2. Quinoa Pilaf: A warm quinoa pilaf adds heartiness to your meal, making it more filling without overpowering the salad.
  3. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a nice contrast to the soft textures of the salad and makes it feel more indulgent.
  4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries.
  5. Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetable sticks served with hummus create a colorful appetizer that balances well with the salad.
  6. Fruit Skewers: Refreshing fruit skewers can act as an additional light side dish, echoing the fruity elements of your main salad.
  7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the dish while adding warmth to your meal.
  8. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette provides another layer of flavors alongside your Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a strawberry spinach salad can be quick and easy, but there are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

  • Skipping the balsamic glaze: Many people forget to prepare the balsamic glaze, which adds depth and sweetness. Always make it ahead of time for the best flavor.
  • Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure your spinach, strawberries, and blueberries are ripe and in good condition. Always check for mold or wilting.
  • Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overpower the fresh ingredients. Start with a small amount of glaze and adjust according to taste.
  • Neglecting texture: A great salad has a variety of textures. Make sure to include toasted pecans for crunch and creamy feta cheese for contrast.
  • Not tossing gently: When mixing your salad, toss gently to avoid bruising delicate ingredients like spinach and strawberries. This keeps the presentation appealing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Keep the balsamic glaze separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Strawberry Spinach Salad

  • It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture will suffer when thawed. Fresh ingredients do not freeze well.

Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring in between.
  • Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does strawberry spinach salad last?

Strawberry spinach salad can last up to 2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I customize my strawberry spinach salad?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like apples or nuts such as walnuts instead of pecans for different flavors and textures.

What pairs well with strawberry spinach salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. It also goes well with light pasta dishes.

Is this strawberry spinach salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare each ingredient ahead of time and store them separately. Combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

The strawberry spinach salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it perfect for any occasion. Its freshness and versatility allow you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you serve it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal, this recipe is sure to impress! Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like nuts or other fruits—each variation brings something special!

Print
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Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad


  • Author: Fleck
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that beautifully balances sweet and tangy flavors. This refreshing salad combines fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and blueberries, topped with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans for added crunch. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Thicken the glaze: Reduce heat to simmer and stir continuously until the mixture thickens by half (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and cool in a heat-proof bowl.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese.
  4. Serve: Divide the salad into bowls, top with pecans, and drizzle with cooled balsamic glaze before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Toast pecans for enhanced crunch. Feel free to add seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries for variety.

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