If you’re craving a burst of vibrant, fresh flavor in a snap, this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is about to become your new favorite go-to. Juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, sweet blueberries, creamy feta, and buttery toasted pecans—finished with a glossy homemade balsamic glaze—come together in a dish that looks as gorgeous as it tastes, all in practically no time at all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick: You can pull off this gorgeous 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in less time than it takes to set the table—seriously!
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is a fresh and tangy balance of sweet strawberries, salty feta, nutty pecans, and a rich, syrupy balsamic glaze.
- Stunning Presentation: The riot of cheerful colors makes this salad as eye-catching as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or brightening up a weekday lunch.
- Totally Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste (or the contents of your fridge) and dietary needs, no stress required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients for this salad—but each one is essential! They’re chosen not just for flavor, but for the contrast in color, texture, and a balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty elements that make this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad absolutely irresistible.
- Baby Spinach: The foundation of your salad—fresh, tender, and mild with just the right amount of green crunch.
- Strawberries: Pick ripe, juicy berries for natural sweetness and a burst of color. Slicing them shows off their ruby edges!
- Blueberries: These little morsels add a pop of tangy flavor and more gorgeous color contrast.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty, and crumbly—feta brings balance to the fruit and ties the salad together.
- Pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their wonderfully nutty aroma and flavor, while some chopped, some left whole create a satisfying crunch.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The base for your homemade glaze—choose a good quality one for the best depth and rich, sweet-tangy flavor.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the balsamic glaze, making the dressing silky and glossy.
Variations
This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is endlessly customizable, so don’t be shy about changing things up! It’s a total dream for adapting to your tastes, what you have on hand, or any dietary needs—think of this recipe as your canvas for colorful, fresh creativity.
- Swap the Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or even candied nuts all add their own delicious signature crunch—just toast them for maximum flavor.
- Go Cheese-Free or Vegan: Skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese for a vegan-friendly salad that still tastes rich and satisfying.
- Try a Different Fruit: Sliced peaches, raspberries, or even pomegranate seeds work beautifully in place of (or alongside) the berries.
- Add Some Protein: Grilled chicken, salmon, or even chickpeas can easily turn this into a nourishing main course.
How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Pour the balsamic vinegar and your sweetener (honey or brown sugar) into a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium, bringing it to a soft bubble. Give it a good stir and let it simmer, reducing by about half, until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—usually about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool in a heat-proof bowl; it’ll thicken up perfectly as it cools.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In your favorite large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta. Gently toss everything together so every bite is filled with a blend of juicy fruit and creamy cheese. Hold off on adding the pecans just yet—we’ll save those for the grand finale!
Step 3: Add the Crunch and Dress It Up
Divide the salad into individual serving bowls. Top each with a mix of whole and chopped toasted pecans for layers of texture (and fun!). Now, drizzle that gorgeous, glossy balsamic glaze over each bowl—don’t be shy—until each serving looks like a work of art. Grab a fork and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Choose Ripe, Sweet Strawberries: Look for strawberries that are bright red, fragrant, and just slightly soft—these have the juiciest flavor and make the salad sing.
- Don’t Rush the Balsamic Glaze: Slow simmering brings out the natural sweetness and allows the glaze to thicken just right—patience pays off!
- Toast the Pecans Ahead: Toasting nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes really pulls out their buttery richness and makes the crunch irresistible.
- Balance Your Flavors: If the glaze feels too tangy, add just a touch more honey; if it’s too sweet, a few drops of extra balsamic vinegar will sort it right out.
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Garnishes
Finish each bowl with an extra shower of crumbled feta, a sprinkle of sea salt, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a few torn fresh basil leaves. These little flourishes not only brighten the look but add a final pop of flavor to your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs so beautifully with simple proteins like grilled chicken or fish, or alongside a crusty baguette for scooping. It’s also amazing next to quiche or as the star of a fresh, light brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an effortless wow factor, layer the salad in a clear glass trifle bowl so the colors shine, or arrange on individual salad plates for elegant dinner parties. Or, pack in jars for chic picnic fare or stylish meal prep—just keep the dressing separate until serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and balsamic glaze separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad keeps best for a day, as the spinach and berries are best when they’re freshest.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—the fresh berries and leafy spinach lose their beautiful texture after thawing. For optimal taste and crunch, only make what you’ll enjoy within a day or two.
Reheating
No reheating needed! This is a salad that’s best served chilled or at room temperature, with all the crispy and juicy contrasts intact. Just drizzle the glaze over and enjoy.
FAQs
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Can I make the balsamic glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to a week ahead and kept in an airtight jar in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before drizzling on your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad to help it flow smoothly.
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What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?
Simply place whole or chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad for that perfect crunch.
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Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze for the salad?
Yes! If you’re really short on time, a good quality store-bought balsamic glaze is a smart shortcut. Just check the ingredients for natural sweeteners for the best flavor.
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Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, every ingredient in the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of any packaged products (like feta or balsamic vinegar) to avoid hidden surprises.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait another minute to treat yourself—a bowl of this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re serving loved ones or simply giving yourself a little colorful pick-me-up, I promise this salad will surprise and delight you. Happy crunching and savor every spoonful!
Print
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that comes together in no time!
Ingredients
Balsamic Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
Spinach Strawberry 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
Instructions
- Salad Dressing – Balsamic Glaze – In a small saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half (about 10 or so minutes). Remove from heat and pour the balsamic glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool off. The glaze will get thicker as it cools off. Consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon but should not be overly thick.
- Salad – In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the pecans. Toss to combine. Divide the salad into individual serving bowls. Top each serving bowl with whole and chopped toasted pecans. Drizzle the top of the salad in each bowl with balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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