Name: 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz baby spinach (fresh); 3 cups strawberries (cleaned, 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)

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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 will make a perfect side dish for any weeknight dinner. It is also a crowd-pleaser for many holiday occasions, picnics, potlucks, and other friends and family gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, strawberries, and blueberries in every bite.
Versatile Dish: Great as a side for dinner or as a standalone meal during lunch.
Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad supports a healthy lifestyle.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet honey and tangy balsamic dressing delights everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Salad bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Salad bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients without spills.
Whisk: This helps you blend the dressing smoothly for an even flavor.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors.

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 small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
Whisk until well blended and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach.
Top with sliced strawberries and blueberries evenly distributed over the greens.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
Add toasted pecans for extra crunch.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss everything together to coat evenly without bruising the spinach.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad right away for optimal freshness!
Alternatively, chill it briefly in the refrigerator before serving if desired.

This quick recipe offers not only great taste but also vibrant colors that will impress your guests at any gathering!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Serving the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can elevate any meal. This salad is versatile and pairs well with various dishes, making it ideal for both casual and special occasions.

As a Side Dish

Grilled Chicken: The fresh flavors of the salad complement grilled chicken perfectly, adding a vibrant contrast.
Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside pasta dishes for a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of creamy sauces.

At Picnics or Potlucks

Wraps: Pair this salad with wraps filled with turkey or veggies for a satisfying meal on the go.
Charcuterie Board: Add it to a charcuterie board alongside meats, cheeses, and fruits for a colorful presentation.

For Holiday Gatherings

Roasted Vegetables: This salad shines when served next to roasted seasonal vegetables, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
Quiche: A slice of quiche with this salad creates an elegant brunch option that’s sure to impress guests.

How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

To ensure your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is always delicious, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create a stunning dish every time.

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Toast Pecans: Lightly toasting pecans enhances their nuttiness, adding depth to your salad.
Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance and store it in the fridge to save time during busy days.
Add Seasonal Fruits: Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like apples or peaches for an exciting twist.

Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options that can complement this vibrant salad nicely.

Grilled Salmon: The rich flavor of grilled salmon pairs beautifully with the freshness of the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf adds protein and texture while keeping the meal healthy.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers provide a hearty option that works well with the salad’s lightness.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a satisfying contrast to the crisp greens and juicy strawberries.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick vegetable stir-fry adds color and nutrients, making your meal even more appealing.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers are easy to prepare and add a lovely touch of Italian flavor alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

Skipping the washing step: Always rinse your spinach and strawberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
Using stale nuts: Ensure your pecans are fresh for the best flavor. Toast them lightly just before adding to the salad.
Overdressing the salad: Start with a small amount of balsamic dressing. You can always add more if needed, but you can’t take it out once added.
Cutting strawberries too early: Slice your strawberries just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent sogginess.
Neglecting seasoning: Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors of the salad, so don’t forget this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
item Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

item Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and berries after thawing.

Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 5 minutes, but this is not typical for salads.
Microwave: Heat on low power for 30 seconds if necessary, but fresh salads are best served cold.
Stovetop: Not recommended as it will wilt spinach and ruin the salad’s freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad so special?

The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone loves.

Can I customize the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, chicken, or different nuts based on your preferences.

How long does it take to make the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

As the name suggests, this salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish!

What other dressings can I use for this salad?

While balsamic is classic, vinaigrettes like honey mustard or poppy seed work wonderfully as well.

Final Thoughts

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and simple but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or looking for a light side dish for dinner, this salad shines. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!