🎉 Introduction
Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this 30-minute strawberry spinach salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Juicy strawberries and plump blueberries pair beautifully with crisp spinach, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a rich, glossy balsamic glaze. It’s a salad that feels elegant yet effortless—ideal for busy days when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe shines because of its contrast of textures and flavors. The natural sweetness of berries complements the saltiness of feta, while toasted pecans add warmth and crunch. The balsamic glaze ties everything together with a subtle tang that elevates each bite. Whether served as a light main, a vibrant side, or a show-stopping addition to gatherings, this salad delivers freshness and satisfaction.
If you love quick healthy salads, summer-inspired dishes, and simple gourmet recipes, this strawberry spinach salad will quickly become a go-to favorite.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To prepare this strawberry spinach salad, you’ll need:
- Large salad bowl
- Small saucepan (for balsamic glaze)
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Salad tongs or large spoons
Tip: Using a wide bowl makes tossing the salad easier without bruising the spinach.
🛒 Ingredients
Prepare all ingredients before assembling for best results.
Greens & Fruits
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Crunch & Cheese
- ½ cup pecans, lightly toasted
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Balsamic Glaze
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
Seasoning (Optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes:
- Baby spinach provides a tender base with mild flavor.
- Toasting pecans enhances their natural nuttiness.
- Feta adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet fruit.
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these simple steps to assemble the perfect strawberry spinach salad.
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze
- Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The glaze should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
- Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly.
- Place spinach in a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Add Fruits
- Add sliced strawberries and blueberries over the spinach.
- Spread evenly for balanced bites.
Step 4: Add Crunch and Cheese
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad.
- Add crumbled feta cheese evenly.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle cooled balsamic glaze lightly over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or elegant sides.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store undressed salad ingredients separately in airtight containers
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days
Best Practice
- Add balsamic glaze just before serving to keep spinach fresh and crisp
Note: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating.
🥄 Variations
Customize your strawberry spinach salad with these ideas:
- Protein Boost
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas
- Extra Crunch
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds
- Cheese Swap
- Use goat cheese for a tangier flavor
- Citrus Twist
- Add orange segments for brightness
- Honeyed Glaze
- Add a small drizzle of honey to the balsamic glaze
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving. - Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
No, glaze is reduced and thicker with concentrated flavor. - Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are best for texture and appearance. - Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. - What pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or simple grains. - How do I keep spinach from wilting?
Dress the salad just before serving. - Can I use store-bought glaze?
Yes, but homemade offers fresher flavor. - Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet fruit flavors are very appealing. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales well for gatherings.
🏁 Conclusion
This 30-minute strawberry spinach salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With vibrant berries, crisp greens, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and a tangy balsamic glaze, it delivers freshness and elegance in every bite.
Perfect for warm days, quick meals, or special occasions, this salad is easy to make, visually stunning, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe collection.
30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Follow these simple steps to assemble the perfect strawberry spinach salad.
- Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The glaze should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly.
- Place spinach in a large salad bowl.
- Add sliced strawberries and blueberries over the spinach.
- Spread evenly for balanced bites.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad.
- Add crumbled feta cheese evenly.
- Drizzle cooled balsamic glaze lightly over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Yes, prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving. Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
No, glaze is reduced and thicker with concentrated flavor. Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are best for texture and appearance. Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. What pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or simple grains. How do I keep spinach from wilting?
Dress the salad just before serving. Can I use store-bought glaze?
Yes, but homemade offers fresher flavor. Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet fruit flavors are very appealing. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales well for gatherings. 🏁 Conclusion This 30-minute strawberry spinach salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With vibrant berries, crisp greens, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and a tangy balsamic glaze, it delivers freshness and elegance in every bite. Perfect for warm days, quick meals, or special occasions, this salad is easy to make, visually stunning, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe collection.
