15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in 15 minutes! Featuring Feta cheese, pecans, and a simple Balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. Its refreshing combination of flavors and colors makes it an appealing choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad can be assembled in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of strawberries, blueberries, and feta provides a delightful burst of flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or main course, this salad fits well with various cuisines and occasions.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh fruits and greens, this salad supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Salad serving bowl
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for blending the balsamic dressing smoothly.
- Salad serving bowl: Presenting your salad in an attractive bowl enhances its appeal when serving guests.
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
- In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Whisk together until well mixed.
Step 2: Combine the Greens
- In a large salad serving bowl, add baby spinach.
- Pour half of the dressing over the spinach.
Step 3: Add Fruits and Cheese
- Top the spinach with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle additional dressing on top as desired.
Step 4: Finish with Pecans
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad.
- Gently toss to combine all ingredients without crushing the fruits.
Enjoy your vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad as a delightful addition to any meal!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Serving a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is all about presentation and pairing. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for different occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
As a Standalone Meal
- Serve the salad on a large platter for a family-style meal.
- Garnish with additional strawberries and feta for visual appeal.
For a Potluck
- Portion individual servings in mason jars for easy transport.
- Include extra dressing in small containers on the side.
With Grilled Chicken or Fish
- Pair this salad with grilled proteins for a complete meal.
- The fresh flavors complement the savory notes of chicken or fish.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside pasta dishes or barbecued meats for a fresh contrast.
- It balances heavier meals with its light and vibrant ingredients.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Create an eye-catching centerpiece by adding edible flowers.
- This adds elegance to your table setting while enhancing flavor.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
To make the best 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries enhance the salad’s flavor.
- Toast Pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the dish.
- Make Dressing Ahead of Time: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance to save time and allow flavors to meld.
- Mix Before Serving: Combine all components just before serving to keep spinach crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try goat cheese or blue cheese as alternatives to feta for varied taste profiles.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers add protein and pair well with the salad’s sweetness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf complements the salad’s textures while being hearty enough to satisfy hunger.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables provide additional nutrients and flavor contrasts.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread offers a comforting side that balances the freshness of the salad.
- Pasta Primavera: Light pasta dishes packed with seasonal veggies work harmoniously with the salad’s ingredients.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as an appealing main dish alongside your vibrant salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key for the best flavor. Always check the dates on your spinach and strawberries before use.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the salad’s natural flavors. Start with a small amount, and add more if needed.
- Skipping the toasting step: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step; it only takes a few minutes!
- Not balancing flavors: Ensure you have a mix of sweet, salty, and tangy elements for a well-rounded taste. Adjust honey or feta to achieve balance.
- Prepping too far in advance: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Prepare it close to serving time to maintain its crunchiness and vibrant colors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of spinach and strawberries after thawing.
- For best results, eat within a couple of days.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm. Be cautious not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for feta cheese in the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
You can use goat cheese or even mozzarella as alternatives. Both will add creaminess without overpowering flavors.
Can I prepare the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Mix right before serving to maintain freshness.
How do I make the Balsamic dressing for my salad?
Combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) in a bowl. Whisk until well blended, then drizzle over your salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Keep dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick but also versatile and delicious. You can easily customize it by adding grilled chicken, swapping nuts, or using different fruits like apples or oranges. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elevate your meal with this vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, a delightful blend of fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta cheese, topped with toasted pecans for an added crunch. This quick and easy salad is dressed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit and the tanginess of the cheese. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a beautiful side dish for holiday gatherings, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until smooth.
- Combine Greens: Place baby spinach in a large salad bowl and drizzle half of the dressing over it.
- Add Fruits and Cheese: Layer sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta on top of the spinach. Drizzle more dressing if desired.
- Finish with Pecans: Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad and gently toss to combine without crushing the fruits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
