Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in 15 minutes! Featuring Feta cheese, pecans, and a simple Balsamic dressing, this salad will make a perfect side dish for any weeknight dinner. It is also a crowd-pleaser for many holiday occasions, picnics, potlucks, and other friends and family gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy it even on busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries and baby spinach adds vibrant flavors and nutrients.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for any meal or as a light lunch on its own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy feta makes it appealing to all ages.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is a great option for health-conscious eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad efficiently, having the right tools can streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Salad server
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Whisk: Ideal for mixing the dressing uniformly and ensuring all flavors meld perfectly.
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 mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach.
- Layer the sliced strawberries and blueberries over the spinach.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Add toasted pecans for crunch.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the spinach.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Serve your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad right away for maximum freshness! Enjoy this delightful dish as a side or light meal.
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether you want it as a light lunch or as a side dish, there are plenty of serving suggestions to explore.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Perfect for a quick meal when you’re short on time. Just toss the salad ingredients together, and enjoy!
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- The salad complements grilled chicken nicely. The flavors balance well, making it a satisfying and healthy dinner.
With Toasted Bread
- Serve the salad alongside some toasted whole-grain bread for added crunch and fiber. It’s great for soaking up any leftover dressing.
On a Buffet Table
- This vibrant salad is an eye-catching addition to any buffet. It works well for parties and gatherings where guests can serve themselves.
As a Picnic Delight
- Pack the salad in a container for picnics. It’s refreshing and easy to transport, perfect for outdoor eating.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Add fresh mint or basil on top before serving for an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor profile.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
To ensure your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is always a hit, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
- Toast Pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their natural oils and adds depth to the taste.
- Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the balsamic dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.
- Add Variety: Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or oranges for added sweetness and color.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after mixing; this prevents sogginess from dressing absorption.
- Customize Toppings: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or add seeds for extra crunch.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Salmon: A light protein that complements the sweetness of strawberries wonderfully.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa adds heartiness while keeping the meal healthy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and an earthy flavor that balances the freshness of the salad.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: A deliciously indulgent option that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the salad.
- Pasta Primavera: A colorful vegetable pasta dish that shares similar fresh ingredients with the salad.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains, beans, or meats, offering both flavor and nutrition alongside your salad.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: They provide natural sweetness, making them a great complement to this dish.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous mixed with herbs can enhance the Mediterranean flavors of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using stale ingredients – Freshness matters! Always check your spinach and strawberries for quality before using.
- Skipping the dressing – A good salad needs flavor. Don’t forget to mix in the balsamic dressing; it ties all the ingredients together.
- Not balancing flavors – Too much sweetness can overwhelm. Adjust honey according to taste, ensuring a delightful balance.
- Overcrowding the bowl – If you pack too many ingredients, it’ll be hard to toss. Use a large bowl for easy mixing and serving.
- Cutting fruit unevenly – Uniform slices make for a prettier salad. Take your time when slicing strawberries for a more appealing dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain crispness.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and strawberries.
- If you must, freeze without dressing and consume within a month.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until just warm; do not overheat.
- Stovetop – Gently warm in a pan on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all ingredients and store them separately. Combine just before serving for best results.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You could use goat cheese or skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It holds well in the fridge, but keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
How can I customize this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Add grilled chicken or quinoa for protein, nuts for crunch, or different fruits like peaches or apples!
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. Give this delightful salad a try today; it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the earthiness of baby spinach. Tossed with creamy feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and drizzled with a simple balsamic dressing, this salad not only bursts with flavor but is also a healthy option for any meal. Perfect as a side dish for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this quick recipe can be assembled in just 15 minutes. Enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with grilled chicken for a satisfying dinner. Fresh, nutritious, and visually striking, this salad is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries (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
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add baby spinach and layer sliced strawberries and blueberries on top.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the fruit.
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
