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, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a simple balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or a star attraction at holiday gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. With its colorful presentation and burst of flavors, this salad is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad is ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with nutritious fruits and greens, it’s both delicious and healthy.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it the main attraction by adding protein.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors appeals to various palates, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Easy to Customize: Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand for a unique twist every time.

Tools and Preparation

To create your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad effortlessly, having the right tools will make your preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps mix ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping fruits and veggies.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for even-sized ingredients.

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 together until well blended.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad serving bowl, add fresh baby spinach.
2. Top with sliced strawberries and blueberries.
3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
4. Add toasted pecans for crunch.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad.
2. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the spinach.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

1. Serve your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad fresh for best flavor.
2. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a refreshing side or light meal!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This vibrant and refreshing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad makes for a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a weeknight dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.

In a Picnic Basket

• Pack it in a sealed container for an easy-to-carry option.
• Include some crusty bread or pita chips for added crunch.

Individual Portions

• Present in small jars or bowls for a beautiful buffet display.
• Top with extra feta and pecans for an appealing look.

With Extra Toppings

• Add sliced avocados for creaminess.
• Sprinkle with chia seeds or sunflower seeds for added texture.

How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

To ensure your salad is always at its best, consider these simple tips. They will help you enhance flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries will elevate the taste of your salad significantly.
• Toast Your Nuts: Toasting pecans brings out their natural oils, adding depth to the flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately until ready to serve. This keeps the salad crisp.
• Add Variety: Experiment by including other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries for added sweetness.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the honey based on your preference; use less if your strawberries are particularly sweet.
• Garnish Creatively: Use fresh herbs like mint or basil as garnish to add aroma and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers offer protein and are easy to share at gatherings.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing of the salad.
3. Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful quinoa dish adds heartiness while remaining healthy.
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls can provide a crunchy alternative that matches well with the salad’s freshness.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for a comforting pairing.
6. Caprese Skewers: Easy-to-eat skewers of mozzarella, tomato, and basil bring an Italian twist that complements the Mediterranean theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Spinach Salad may seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the taste and presentation. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Using stale ingredients – Freshness is key for a great salad. Always check your spinach and strawberries for quality before use.
• Overdressing the salad – Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to taste.
• Forgetting to toast the nuts – Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Always toast them lightly before adding to the salad for a richer taste.
• Cutting fruits unevenly – Uniform slices of strawberries and blueberries create a more appealing look. Take your time to cut them evenly.
• Not balancing flavors – Ensure there’s a balance of sweetness, saltiness, and acidity in your dressing. Adjust the honey or vinegar levels to suit your palate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 2 days for the best freshness.

Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in spinach and fresh fruit.
• If necessary, separate components (like dressing) before freezing.

Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Oven – Not ideal for salads; best served cold.
• Microwave – Avoid reheating; fresh salads lose quality when heated.
• Stovetop – Do not heat; enjoy cold for maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most components ahead but add dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Try using crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative for similar texture and flavor.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe serves approximately 6 people, making it perfect for gatherings.

Can I add other fruits to my strawberry spinach salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add fruits like kiwi or mandarin oranges for extra color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not just quick; it’s also flavorful and adaptable. You can customize it by adding different fruits, nuts, or even proteins like grilled chicken or turkey. This salad is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Give it a try today!

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15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, a vibrant dish that combines fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese tossed in a delightful balsamic dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this quick and easy salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The balance of sweet and savory notes makes it a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether as a light meal or an elegant side dish, this salad promises to impress with its burst of colors and flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 10 oz fresh baby spinach
• 3 cups strawberries, hulled and 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)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together balsamic vinegar and honey in a mixing bowl until well combined.
2. In a large salad serving bowl, layer the fresh spinach, followed by sliced strawberries and blueberries.
3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the top.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine without bruising the spinach.
5. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Fresh
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (150g)
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg