If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor and color, the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Feta, and Pecan Vinaigrette Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish perfectly balances sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements, making it a satisfying treat for any meal or gathering. With simple ingredients and a quick assembly, you’ll have a stunning salad that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a special role to create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. The freshness of the baby spinach serves as a tender, nutrient-packed base, while the strawberries and blueberries add juicy sweetness and vibrant hues. Feta cheese brings a tangy creaminess, pecans contribute crunch and warmth, and the pecan vinaigrette ties it all together with its balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Baby spinach: Choose fresh, tender leaves for a soft, mild base that’s packed with nutrients.
- Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries sliced evenly to distribute their juicy flavor throughout the salad.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add delightful pops of tartness and beautiful blue tones.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta provides a creamy, salty counterpoint that elevates every bite.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans give the salad a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and tanginess to the sweet vinaigrette.
- Honey (or brown sugar): Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing the vinegar’s acidity.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Feta, and Pecan Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by combining the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Whisk them together until fully blended into a glossy, smooth vinaigrette. This simple dressing brings a lovely balance of tart and sweet, preparing to coat the salad with vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Toss Your Greens and Berries
Next, gather your baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a large salad bowl. Toss them gently to combine — you want all those gorgeous colors mingling but the berries staying mostly intact to keep their juicy bursts in the salad.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Pecans
Sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese over the top. Then, scatter toasted pecans for both texture and a nutty aroma. These additions provide beautiful balance by contrasting softness with crunch and adding layers of flavor.
Step 4: Dress and Toss Lightly
Just before serving, drizzle the pecan vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss lightly one last time to distribute the dressing without bruising the delicate berries or spinach. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and vibrant tastes.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Feta, and Pecan Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous presentation, consider adding a few more whole berries and pecan halves on top as garnishes. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the salad’s complexity without overpowering its natural flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon for a light, healthy meal. You can also serve it alongside quinoa or a crusty artisan bread to make a well-rounded plate that satisfies without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual glass bowls to showcase its vibrant layers, or assemble it on a large wooden board for an impressive buffet display. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top can also elevate the visual appeal, turning a simple salad into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have salad leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the vinaigrette separate and only dress the portion you plan to eat to maintain crisp textures and fresh flavors.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the berries and spinach will lose their texture and become mushy once thawed. It’s best to prepare it fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. It’s designed to be crisp and vibrant, so enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the salad. Just toast them lightly to bring out their aroma.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether. The salad will still be delicious and colorful.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time but wait to toss them with the dressing. Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best?
A good quality aged balsamic vinegar will add depth and complex sweetness, but a standard balsamic works well too, especially when balanced with honey or brown sugar in the vinaigrette.
How do I toast pecans perfectly?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Watch carefully so they don’t burn, as this will make them bitter.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Feta, and Pecan Vinaigrette Recipe a try soon. It’s a beautiful, fresh option that’s easy to throw together but makes a big impression with every bite. Perfect for sunny afternoons, family dinners, or whenever you crave something light and flavorful that nourishes both body and soul!
Print
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Feta, and Pecan Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a homemade balsamic honey dressing. This salad is perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish, offering a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined and smooth, creating a sweet and tangy dressing.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Gently toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the greens.
- Add feta and pecans: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the top of the salad, adding creaminess and crunch.
- Dress the salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared balsamic honey dressing over the salad. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate spinach and berries.
Notes
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries for the best taste and texture.
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta if desired.
- For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup and omit the cheese.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the spinach crisp.
