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

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dressing
• For the Salad
• How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
• Step 2: Assemble the Salad
• Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
• Step 4: Dress the Salad
• How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• As a Standalone Lunch
• Paired with Grilled Chicken
• With Quinoa or Farro
• At Your Next Picnic
• For Holiday Gatherings
• How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this salad perfect for summer?
• Can I customize the ingredients?
• How do I make it vegan?
• What should I serve with this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and strawberries ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side for various meals or as a light lunch on its own.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals from the greens and fruits, it’s both delicious and healthy.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves the sweet and tangy combination.

Tools and Preparation

To make your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad efficiently, gathering the right tools is essential. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to toss the salad ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to emulsify the dressing smoothly for an even coating on your salad.
• Cutting board: This provides a stable surface for slicing strawberries and other ingredients safely.

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 chopped)

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
2. Whisk together until well blended and slightly thickened.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad serving bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries.
2. Gently toss these ingredients until they are evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

1. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
2. Add the toasted pecans, reserving some for garnish if desired.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with dressing.

Now your delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy this refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

This vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is versatile and can be served in several delightful ways. Whether you want a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad will impress your guests!

As a Standalone Lunch

• A filling option for lunch that combines nutrients and flavor, perfect for busy days.

Paired with Grilled Chicken

• The sweetness of strawberries complements grilled chicken beautifully, making it a satisfying meal.

With Quinoa or Farro

• Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and protein, transforming it into a hearty dish.

At Your Next Picnic

• Pack this salad in a jar for easy transport; it’s refreshing and can stand up to warmer weather.

For Holiday Gatherings

• This salad adds color to any holiday table, making it an excellent addition to festive meals.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

To ensure your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries make the biggest difference in flavor.
• Toast Your Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
• Whisk the Dressing Well: Mixing the balsamic dressing vigorously helps blend all flavors together effectively.
• Add Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate other seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries for variety and extra sweetness.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for a bit enhances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing.
• Customize with Proteins: Add grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a heartier version that still maintains its fresh appeal.

Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Looking for perfect pairings? Here are some side dishes that complement your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad beautifully.

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus brings an earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of the salad.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm garlic breadsticks are a comforting option alongside this fresh salad.
3. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous with olives and tomatoes adds a Mediterranean flair to your meal.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweet and savory notes of roasted sweet potatoes harmonize well with the salad’s ingredients.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers provide a tasty bite-sized treat.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles serve as a low-carb alternative that pairs nicely with fresh greens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or stale spinach can ruin your salad’s flavor. Always opt for fresh, crisp ingredients to ensure a vibrant dish.

• Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can drown out the delicate flavors of the strawberries and spinach. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.

• Not Toasting Nuts: Failing to toast the pecans can lead to a bland taste. Toast them lightly to enhance their natural flavor and crunch.

• Ignoring Seasonality: Using out-of-season strawberries will affect taste and texture. Choose seasonal fruits for the best flavor in your salad.

• Neglecting Balance: A lack of variety in textures can make your salad dull. Incorporate different elements like crunchy nuts and creamy feta for a satisfying bite.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator without losing freshness.

Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of fresh ingredients like spinach and strawberries.
• If you must freeze, consider only freezing components like pecans separately.

Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes; avoid overheating.
• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds on low power; check regularly to prevent sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally; be cautious not to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this salad perfect for summer?

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is light, refreshing, and loaded with seasonal fruits, making it ideal for hot weather meals.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to swap strawberries with other seasonal fruits or add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for variation.

How do I make it vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.

What should I serve with this salad?

Pair the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy it as a light meal on its own.

Final Thoughts

The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors and colors. It’s perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or proteins for extra heartiness. Enjoy this delightful recipe at your next gathering!