If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, look no further than the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe. This salad perfectly balances sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy elements into every bite. With the juicy berries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese all tossed together on a bed of fresh spinach, drizzled with a simple yet flavorful dressing, it’s a celebration of freshness that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you want a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe is your go-to for something healthy, satisfying, and utterly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each one plays a crucial role. From the fresh greens and vibrant berries to the rich pecans and creamy feta, every component adds texture, color, and layers of flavor that make this salad unforgettable.
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves: The bright, tender base that holds all the flavors together and adds a mild earthiness.
- 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of red color that immediately catches the eye.
- 1/2 cup blueberries: These little bursts of tartness balance the sweetness beautifully and add gorgeous blue hues.
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped: Provides a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts the softness of the berries and spinach.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: A tangy, creamy component that melts in your mouth and complements the fruit perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional): For a mild bite and extra flavor complexity if you like a little zing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The rich, smooth base for the dressing that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a sweet, tangy punch to balance the salad’s flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional): Enhances the natural sweetness if desired.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient’s flavor.
How to Make Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the salad ingredients
Start by washing and drying your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly — this ensures no sogginess and better dressing clings. Hull and slice the strawberries for perfect bite-sized pieces, then measure your blueberries, chop the pecans roughly, and crumble the feta cheese. If you like, add thinly sliced red onions for a little extra tang and crunch. Having all your ingredients ready keeps the assembly smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine the salad components
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, pecans, and crumbled feta. The bright colors alone will make you smile at how inviting this salad looks. If you opted for red onion, sprinkle it in now to weave its sharp flavor into the mix.
Step 3: Whisk up the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup if using, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies into a silky texture. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding a bit more honey or vinegar according to your preference. This simple dressing perfectly complements the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
Step 4: Dress and toss the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh. Use gentle hands to toss all the ingredients, ensuring each leaf and berry shines with a light coating of the tangy, sweet dressing. Avoid over-tossing to maintain the delicate textures that make this salad special.
Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy
For an added touch, sprinkle extra pecans or feta cheese on top as a final garnish. This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in right away and savor every colorful, vibrant bite!
How to Serve Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To give your salad an attractive finishing touch, consider topping it with a few whole pecans or a pinch more crumbled feta. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can also enhance its appeal and add subtle aroma. These garnishes make the dish feel extra special whether you’re serving family or guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced meal, or include it with a hearty soup or fresh baguette to create a satisfying lunch. The fresh, fruity notes brighten any plate and keep the meal feeling light yet nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers of berries, spinach, and feta. You can also serve it on large platters for sharing, arranging the berries and nuts artistically across the top. For picnics or potlucks, place the dressing separately and toss right before serving to keep everything crisp and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid soggy spinach leaves. The salad is best eaten within 24 hours to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Freezing
This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe is not suitable for freezing. The fresh berries, spinach, and feta cheese lose their texture and flavor when frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and presentation.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for a short period and consume cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! While fresh spinach is the heart of this salad, you can substitute with baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens. Each will bring its unique flavor and texture, making the salad your own.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have allergies, walnuts or sliced almonds are great alternatives. They add a different crunch profile but maintain that satisfying nuttiness.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. Make sure to double-check the dressing ingredients to keep it vegan-friendly by replacing honey with maple syrup for sweetness.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to consume the salad within 24 hours of preparation. Stored properly with the dressing kept separate, it can last slightly longer but may lose some crispness.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work beautifully with this salad. Adding protein turns it into a hearty and balanced meal perfect for any time of day.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and vibrant greens come together in this Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe. It’s a dish that feels special yet is so easy to whip up, perfect for impressing guests or brightening your everyday meals. I hope you give it a try and discover just how joyful and refreshing a salad can be!
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Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad featuring crisp spinach leaves, sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Gather all your fresh produce and other salad components. Make sure the spinach leaves are washed and dried to avoid sogginess. Hull and slice the strawberries, and slice the red onion very thin if you choose to include it.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, roughly chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Add the sliced red onion if using to enhance flavor and texture.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if desired for added sweetness), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your preference.
- Toss the salad: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing without bruising the delicate berries and spinach.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately for optimal freshness. Optionally, garnish with extra pecans or feta cheese for added texture and flavor. Enjoy this light, nutritious salad as a perfect starter or a refreshing side.
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu.
- Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey.
- Toast the pecans lightly for a richer nutty flavor.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach and berries fresh and crisp.
- This salad can be customized with other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
