Berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze is a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer. This salad features vibrant berries and fresh greens, making it an ideal accompaniment for summer cookouts, potlucks, or picnics. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will impress your guests and provide a light yet satisfying meal option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of seasonal fruits like strawberries and blackberries ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for any occasion or as a healthy lunch option on its own.
- Nutritious & Delicious: Packed with vitamins from spinach and antioxidants from berries, it’s both wholesome and tasty.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences—try adding different nuts or cheeses!
Tools and Preparation
Before making your berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Salad bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Salad bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Mixing spoon: Helps combine the dressing evenly throughout the salad.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accuracy in portioning ingredients for the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 oz Prosciutto (toasted)
- 2/3 cup pecans (toasted, some of them chopped)
- 6 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
For the Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Step 1: Toast the Prosciutto
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay prosciutto slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Remove from oven and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Nuts
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, strawberries, blackberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and crispy prosciutto.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Now you have a delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Serving the berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze is all about enhancing its vibrant flavors and textures. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways to suit different occasions.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect for summer cookouts: Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing complement.
- Ideal for potlucks: Its bright colors and delicious taste will attract everyone at the gathering.
As a Main Course
- Add protein: Include grilled chicken or shrimp on top to make it a hearty meal.
- Serve with crusty bread: A slice of fresh baguette or ciabatta pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
For Meal Prep
- Pack it for lunch: This salad holds up well in the fridge and makes for a nutritious, quick lunch option.
- Portion into jars: Layer ingredients in mason jars to keep them fresh until you’re ready to enjoy.
At Picnics
- Chill before serving: Keep it cool in a cooler to maintain freshness while enjoying outdoors.
- Serve in individual cups: Makes it easy to grab and enjoy without utensils!
How to Perfect Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
To elevate your berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze, consider these simple tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries, blackberries, and baby spinach for the best taste.
- Toast the nuts: Lightly toast the pecans before adding them to bring out their natural flavor.
- Make your dressing: Homemade balsamic glaze is easy to prepare and tastes better than store-bought options.
- Add texture: Consider including crispy prosciutto or bacon for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the greens.
Best Side Dishes for Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your berry spinach salad enhances your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers are flavorful and easy to prepare on the grill.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter complements the salad’s fruity elements perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread adds comforting flavors that balance the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Bowl: A light quinoa bowl topped with herbs offers a nutritious grain option that pairs well.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a classic pairing that matches beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and warmth alongside your chilled salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Toasting: Not toasting the pecans or prosciutto can lead to a lack of flavor. Toasting enhances their taste and adds crunch.
- Overdressing the Salad: Using too much balsamic glaze can overpower the other flavors. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Ignoring Freshness: Using wilted spinach or overripe berries will ruin your salad’s appeal. Always choose the freshest ingredients available.
- Not Balancing Flavors: Failing to balance sweet and savory elements can make the salad one-dimensional. Ensure you have a mix of sweet fruits, salty feta, and crunchy nuts.
- Chilling Before Serving: Making the salad too far in advance and refrigerating it can lead to sogginess. Assemble it just before serving for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
- Freezing is not recommended as fresh greens do not thaw well.
- If you must freeze, consider storing only the berries and nuts separately.
Reheating Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Warm for about 10 minutes. Keep covered to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delicious salad, you’re not alone!
Can I use different berries in the Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze?
Yes! Feel free to substitute raspberries or blueberries based on your preference or seasonal availability.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese or omit cheese altogether if you prefer a dairy-free version.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze, replace feta with avocado or a nut-based cheese.
Is it okay to add protein?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas can make it a more filling meal while still complementing the salad’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
This berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze is not just visually stunning; it’s also bursting with flavor. Ideal for summer gatherings or a light lunch at home, this recipe is versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite fruits or proteins!
Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Indulge in the refreshing delight of a Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze. This vibrant dish beautifully combines fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and tangy blackberries, creating a flavor explosion that captures the essence of summer. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light meal on its own, this salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. With crunchy toasted pecans and creamy feta cheese drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze, every bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 oz prosciutto (toasted)
- 2/3 cup pecans (toasted)
- 6 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay prosciutto on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy. Let cool.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey; simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- In a large bowl, mix spinach, strawberries, blackberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and crispy prosciutto.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving (300g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
