15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Sweet, vibrant strawberries and crisp baby spinach mingle with salty feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and plump blueberries in this irresistible 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. With a luscious homemade balsamic glaze drizzled over the top, this gorgeous salad proves that healthy eating can be just as exciting as it is easy! Whether you need a speedy weeknight side, a festive holiday crowd-pleaser, or something to impress at your next potluck, this recipe brings a beautiful burst of flavor and color to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients make all the magic in this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. Each component brings its own special pop of flavor, color, or texture, making every bite wonderfully balanced—so don’t skip a thing!

• Balsamic vinegar: This is the foundation of your homemade balsamic glaze, adding tang and depth to the dressing.
• Honey or brown sugar: Both offer a touch of natural sweetness to mellow the vinegar and make the glaze beautifully glossy.
• Fresh baby spinach: Tender and mild, baby spinach provides the perfect leafy base for this vibrant salad.
• Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color—make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor.
• Blueberries: These add little pockets of tartness and pair delightfully with both the spinach and strawberries.
• Crumpled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty contrast that makes the salad utterly addictive.
• Pecans (toasted): Toasted pecans add crunch and a warm, nutty note that takes this salad over the top.

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze

Start by pouring your balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) into a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Stir the mixture occasionally as it thickens and reduces by about half—this should take around 10 minutes. Once it coats the back of a spoon, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the glaze to a heat-proof bowl to cool. Remember, it’ll get even thicker as it cools!

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

While your glaze is cooling, wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them neatly. Rinse the blueberries, let them dry, and crumble the feta if it’s not already done. If you haven’t toasted your pecans yet, warm them in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes until fragrant. These little touches really make the flavors pop.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta. Gently toss everything together so the fruit and cheese are well distributed. Hold off on the pecans for now—adding them at the end keeps them perfectly crisp.

Step 4: Serve and Finish with Pecans and Glaze

Divide the salad into individual serving bowls or plates. Top each bowl generously with plenty of toasted pecans, using both whole and chopped pieces for a nice variety of textures. Finally, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze right over the top before serving. Your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is ready to impress!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Garnishes

If you want to take your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad to the next level, try finishing it with a sprinkle of extra feta, a twist of freshly cracked black pepper, or a handful of torn fresh basil. These simple touches add even more aroma, color, and flair!

Side Dishes

This salad is beautifully versatile and pairs well with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a simple pasta dish. Its sweetness and crunch are the perfect counterpoint to roasted vegetables or a hunk of rustic bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, pile the salad high in a shallow serving bowl and artfully layer the strawberries and blueberries on top. Or serve your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or mini mason jars for picnics or parties—it’s guaranteed to wow every guest!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s best to keep the pecans and balsamic glaze separate until right before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well, as the berries and spinach will lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. Thankfully, it comes together so quickly, you won’t need to make it ahead by very much!

Reheating

No reheating is necessary—this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature! If the glaze thickens a bit too much in the fridge, just let it come to room temperature or add a tiny splash of water and stir gently before drizzling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries or blueberries?

For the best texture and appearance, stick with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Frozen berries tend to release water and become mushy, which isn’t ideal for a crisp 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

What other nuts work well in this salad?

Pecans are lovely, but you could also try walnuts, sliced almonds, or even pistachios for a fun twist! Toasting them first always helps amplify their flavor and crunch.

Is there a vegan option for feta cheese?

Absolutely! There are several great plant-based feta alternatives on the market, or you can crumble in some baked tofu for a similar salty bite in your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

What kind of honey is best for the balsamic glaze?

Any mild, good-quality honey will work beautifully. If you want more caramel notes, use dark brown sugar instead—the glaze will be slightly thicker and have deeper flavor.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes! The balsamic glaze can be made several days ahead. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature when you’re ready to drizzle over the salad.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is so much more than just a quick side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and beautiful colors that’s bound to brighten any meal. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite salad to share with friends and family!

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