Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
There is something truly magical about combining fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a salad that dances with color and flavor. The Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe perfectly balances sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements in one delightful bowl. Each bite bursts with juicy strawberries and blueberries, contrasted by the peppery spinach, salty feta, and toasted pecans, all tied together with a luscious balsamic dressing. Whether as a light lunch or an impressive side dish, this salad is a celebration of freshness you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this salad right means starting with simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own unique flavor and texture, making every forkful exciting and satisfying.
- Fresh spinach leaves: The peppery green base gives the salad a fresh, earthy note and a beautiful vivid color.
- Strawberries: Sweet, juicy slices that add brightness and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Blueberries: Small bursts of juicy tartness that complement the strawberries perfectly.
- Pecans: Roughly chopped for a nutty crunch and rich texture contrast.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled to add a creamy, tangy element that balances the sweetness from the fruit.
- Red onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness that layers the flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for the dressing that brings everything together.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy depth and a touch of acidity to brighten the salad.
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): A hint of sweetness in the dressing to enhance the fruit and mellow the vinegar.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a gentle bite and emulsifies the dressing for an even coating.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Begin by washing and drying your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly—nothing beats crisp greens in a salad. Then, hull and slice the strawberries, gather your blueberries, and roughly chop the pecans. If you love a little bite, thinly slice some red onion to layer in subtle complexity. Finally, crumble the creamy feta to scatter on top. Having all these fresh components ready sets the stage for the perfect salad experience.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Components
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the fresh spinach, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, and feta cheese. If you opted for red onion, add it here to infuse extra flavor. The colors and aromas combined at this point promise something beautifully vibrant and inviting to the palate.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (if you want a touch of sweetness), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance by adding a bit more honey if it needs sweetening or more vinegar for extra tang. This dressing is the magic that melds all flavors and textures into one harmonious bite.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and morsel is coated. This step brings all the ingredients together, creating a perfect blend of crisp, sweet, nutty, and tangy sensations.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up the salad immediately, perhaps topping with extra pecans or feta for a little flourish. Each bite is a delightful celebration of fresh and vibrant flavors that brighten any meal.
How to Serve Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch and even more texture, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or crumbled feta cheese on top right before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a few edible flowers also elevate the presentation, making this salad feel like a real treat for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light grilled proteins like chicken breast, salmon, or shrimp, adding a fresh and fruity counterpoint. It also shines alongside crusty bread or a simple quinoa pilaf. The balance of flavors makes it versatile enough to complement many dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars to showcase its stunning colors. Layer the ingredients, then dress and toss at the table for a little interactive flair. For brunch or parties, create mini salad cups using edible lettuce leaves for bite-sized delights with impressive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because the spinach will wilt once dressed, it’s best to store the salad components separately if you plan to enjoy leftovers. Keep the washed and dried spinach in an airtight container, and store the fruit, nuts, and cheese in separate containers as well. Combine and dress just before serving to retain crispness and vibrancy.
Freezing
This fresh salad is not suitable for freezing, as the spinach and berries will lose their texture and freshness. It’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and quality.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, raw salad, reheating is not recommended. The flavors and textures are at their best when served cold or at room temperature immediately after tossing with dressing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens can be great alternatives, each bringing a slightly different flavor profile and texture, but spinach remains classic for its mild, slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with berries and feta.
Is it necessary to use both strawberries and blueberries?
While using both provides a wonderful contrast between sweet and tart, you can certainly use whichever berries you prefer or have on hand. Raspberries or blackberries can even add a different twist.
Can I make the dressing vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The vinaigrette will still be deliciously balanced and complement the salad beautifully.
How do I toast pecans for this salad?
Toasting pecans is easy and adds extra flavor—just place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Prepare all the components ahead, but keep them separate. Combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh, crisp, and visually stunning for your guests.
Final Thoughts
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a healthy and delicious salad that feels special. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself reaching for time and again, whether to brighten a weekday lunch or impress at a weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try this delightful salad, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad featuring crisp spinach leaves, sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful 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: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, roughly chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. If you like, add the thinly sliced red onion to boost the flavor with a sharp bite.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as desired by adding more honey or vinegar.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving. Gently toss everything together to ensure the spinach and toppings are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to serving plates and enjoy right away. Optionally, garnish with extra pecans or crumbled feta cheese for added texture and taste.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to keep this salad vegan.
- Adding thinly sliced red onion is optional but adds a pleasant sharpness.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the spinach and berries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
