15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes! This delightful salad features fresh strawberries, creamy Feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a simple balsamic dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its bright flavors and colorful presentation will surely impress your guests!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dressing
• For the Salad
• How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
• Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
• Step 4: Dress the Salad
• Step 5: Serve Immediately
• How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• As a Light Lunch
• At Family Gatherings
• For Picnics
• During Holiday Meals
• How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I customize my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
• What is the nutritional value of the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
• Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Vibrant Ingredients: Featuring fresh strawberries and spinach, this dish is visually appealing and packed with nutrients.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal. It’s great for any occasion!
• Flavorful Dressing: The balsamic vinegar and honey dressing perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruits.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you whip up this delicious salad in no time!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Whisk: This tool helps blend the balsamic dressing smoothly for even distribution over the salad.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that you get the right balance of flavors in your dressing.

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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
2. Whisk until fully blended and smooth.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

1. In a large salad serving bowl, add baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries.
2. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

1. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
2. Add the toasted pecans, ensuring some are chopped for added texture.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the assembled salad.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate spinach leaves.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Serve your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad right away for maximum freshness.
2. Enjoy this nutritious dish as an accompaniment or a light meal!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some ideas on how to serve it for different occasions or meals.

As a Light Lunch

• Add Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Wrap It Up: Serve the salad in a whole grain wrap for a satisfying lunch option.

At Family Gatherings

• Serve in Bowls: Present individual servings in small bowls for easy sharing.
• Buffet Style: Place the salad in a large bowl and let guests help themselves.

For Picnics

• Packable Option: Use mason jars to layer the ingredients, keeping the dressing separate until serving.
• Portable Sides: Pair with whole grain crackers or a fruit platter for a complete meal.

During Holiday Meals

• Festive Presentation: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a special touch.
• Complementary Dishes: Serve alongside roasted meats or hearty entrees to balance flavors.

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How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

To achieve the best version of your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the sweetness of the balsamic dressing by adding more honey or sugar if desired.
• Mix Textures: Add crispy bacon bits or thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This delightful salad pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Salmon: A light and flaky fish that complements the freshness of the salad perfectly.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious grain dish that adds heartiness while remaining healthy.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring warmth and flavor to your table.
4. Garlic Breadsticks: Crisp breadsticks add a delightful crunch, making them perfect for dipping into leftover dressing.
5. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses alongside crackers for a sophisticated touch.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can serve as an excellent contrast to the fresh flavors of your spinach salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and strawberries. Wilting or spoiled ingredients can ruin the salad’s flavor and texture.
• Neglecting to Toast Nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Simply bake them for a few minutes until golden brown for a richer taste.
• Overdressing the Salad: Start with a small amount of balsamic dressing and add more as needed. Overdressing can make the salad soggy.
• Cutting Strawberries Incorrectly: Slice strawberries evenly to ensure consistent bites. This keeps the texture uniform and appealing.
• Not Chilling Ingredients: Chill your salad components beforehand. A cold salad is always more refreshing, especially in warm weather.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness until serving.

Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in spinach and strawberries.
• If needed, only freeze individual components like pecans or dressing separately.

Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat pecans on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes, watching closely.
• Microwave: Warm in short bursts of 15-20 seconds just for nuts if desired; avoid heating the salad itself.
• Stovetop: Gently warm nuts in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

How can I customize my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

You can add other fruits like apples or oranges, or substitute walnuts for pecans. Experiment with different cheeses too!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare all ingredients, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh.

What is the nutritional value of the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

This salad contains approximately 264 calories per serving, making it a nutritious choice packed with vitamins and healthy fats.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

Absolutely! It fits well within vegetarian and gluten-free diets, making it versatile for various dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavors that everyone will enjoy. Its vibrant colors and textures make it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for an even more delightful experience!