15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor, then this 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is just what you need! This salad is not only easy to whip up but also brings a splash of color and freshness to your table. It has become a favorite of mine because it perfectly balances sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a simple balsamic dressing.

Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a gathering, this salad is sure to impress. Its vibrant colors and delicious taste make it suitable for any occasion—from picnics in the park to festive holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory combination of ingredients!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the ingredients in advance and toss them together right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making it the perfect complement to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious salad! Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

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)

Variations

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make it your own by switching up ingredients based on what you have or prefer.

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
• Change the Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
• Mix Up the Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• Incorporate Herbs: Fresh mint or basil can add an aromatic touch that elevates the salad even further.

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). This step is important as it creates a sweet and tangy dressing that will coat all of your salad ingredients beautifully.

Step 2: Assemble the Greens

In a large mixing bowl, add fresh baby spinach. This leafy base is not only nutritious but also provides a lovely backdrop for all those bright fruits.

Step 3: Add Fruits and Cheese

Next, add sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the spinach. Their sweetness will contrast nicely with the slightly salty feta cheese that you’ll crumble over everything. Make sure every bite gets a little bit of fruit!

Step 4: Toast Those Pecans

If you haven’t done so already, toast your pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown—about 3-5 minutes. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Drizzle with Dressing

Pour your prepared dressing over the assembled salad. Gently toss everything together until the greens are well coated. This final step ensures every delicious bite is full of flavor!

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve your beautiful strawberry spinach salad right away for maximum freshness. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a side or even as a light meal on its own!

Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Creating a delightful salad in just 15 minutes is totally achievable with a few handy tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your salad. Fresh produce makes a world of difference in taste and texture.

• Toast the pecans: Toasting your pecans brings out their natural oils, resulting in a richer flavor and crunch that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.

• Prepare the dressing ahead of time: If you can, mix the balsamic vinegar and honey ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld together, providing an even more delicious dressing when you’re ready to serve.

• Serve immediately for freshness: To keep the salad crisp and vibrant, assemble it just before serving. This ensures that the spinach stays fresh and doesn’t wilt under the dressing.

• Customize with seasonal fruits: While strawberries are a star ingredient here, feel free to add other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries for added variety and flavor!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Presenting your Strawberry Spinach Salad beautifully can make mealtime even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions adds a mild onion flavor that balances well with the sweet berries and creamy feta.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Marinated in herbs and lemon juice, grilled chicken breast provides a lean protein option that pairs perfectly with this light salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with sautéed vegetables offers a wholesome side that’s nutritious and filling, making it ideal for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with garlic provide depth and flavor contrast, complementing the freshness of your salad beautifully.
• Whole Wheat Breadsticks: Lightly seasoned whole wheat breadsticks are perfect for scooping up any remaining salad dressing on your plate, adding heartiness to your meal.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to create an amazing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad that will delight your family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick to prepare but also makes for a fantastic meal prep option! You can easily store the components separately to keep the ingredients fresh, making it simple to whip up a healthy salad anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, as it can make the salad soggy.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the fresh greens and fruits will change upon thawing.
• However, you can freeze the dressing in ice cube trays for future use!

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
• If you’ve prepared it in advance, simply toss it lightly before serving to mix any settled ingredients.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Can I make the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Just combine everything and add the dressing right before serving for best results.

What can I substitute for feta cheese in this salad?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try using crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese option. Both will add a delightful creaminess without altering the flavor profile too much.

How long does the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last about 2-3 days. Remember to keep the dressing separate until serving!

Can I use other fruits in my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even apples for added crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant and delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad! It’s not just a feast for your eyes but also a delightful addition to any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch and make it your own. Happy cooking!