Ingredients for 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

• Fresh Baby Spinach: The vibrant, tender base for this 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. Essential for a refreshing, healthy foundation. Wash thoroughly.
• Fresh Strawberries: The sweet, juicy star of this summer salad, providing essential freshness and vibrant color. Choose firm, bright red berries.
• Fresh Blueberries: Adds a delightful burst of tangy sweetness and vibrant color, complementing the strawberries perfectly. Gently rinse and pat dry.
• Pecan Halves: Offers a rich, buttery crunch that elevates the texture and flavor of the salad. Lightly toast for enhanced nutty depth.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Provides a salty, tangy counterpoint to the sweet fruits, creating a balanced flavor profile. Buy pre-crumbled for convenience.
• Balsamic Glaze: The essential sweet and tangy drizzle tying all flavors together. A good quality, thick glaze makes a huge difference.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the smooth, rich foundation of the homemade vinaigrette, balancing the balsamic’s sweetness. Use a high-quality, fruity oil.
• Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier, binding dressing ingredients while adding a subtle, zesty kick. Grey Poupon is a classic choice.
• Honey (or Maple Syrup): Provides natural sweetness to the dressing, enhancing fruit flavors without overpowering them. Local honey adds unique character.
• Red Onion: Adds a crisp, pungent bite that cuts through sweetness and richness, offering delightful contrast. Soak in ice water to mellow.
• Salt: Crucial for enhancing all the individual flavors and bringing them into harmony. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Delivers a subtle, aromatic warmth and a touch of peppery spice. Grind fresh for the best impact.

How to Make 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

Prep Ingredients:

Start by washing your fresh baby spinach, strawberries, and blueberries thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, then thinly slice the red onion. This ensures everything is perfectly prepped and ready for your delicious 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Toast Pecans:

Gently toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. They’re done when fragrant and slightly browned. Watch them closely, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt.

Whisk Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking vigorously until the mixture is beautifully emulsified. This creates the vibrant dressing for your salad.

Assemble Salad Base:

In a large salad bowl, gently combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Add the thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese, creating a visually appealing base for your quick 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Dress & Toss:

Pour about half of your homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything to coat evenly. Add more dressing if desired, ensuring not to overdress this delightful 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Garnish & Serve:

Finally, sprinkle the warm, toasted pecan halves over the dressed salad. Serve your refreshing 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze immediately for the best crispness and flavor.

How to Store 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

To store any leftover dressed salad, refrigerate it immediately in an airtight container. It will remain somewhat fresh for up to 1-2 days, but the spinach quickly becomes soggy – don’t make my mistake and leave it out! Look for excessive wilting, sliminess, or an off-smell as signs of spoilage.

For making ahead, prep all components like washing greens, slicing fruit, toasting pecans, and whisking vinaigrette up to 2 days in advance. Keep them separate in airtight containers and assemble just before serving.

Always keep the balsamic dressing separate until serving, ensuring ultimate crispness and flavor.

What to Serve with 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

Serve this delightful 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately after tossing for optimal crispness. It’s perfect as a vibrant side dish or a light lunch. For special occasions, garnish with extra fresh berries and toasted pecans. Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, it can pair beautifully with grilled chicken or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

I personally love to serve this salad as a refreshing main course on warm summer evenings. It’s perfect on its own for a light, satisfying meal. You’ll truly enjoy the sweet and savory balance, making it a complete and joyful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use goat cheese instead of feta in this 30-Min Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Yes, goat cheese is a fantastic substitute for feta, offering a creamier texture and tangy flavor. It pairs beautifully with the berries and balsamic. Just crumble it in at the end for a delightful twist.

→ How do I prevent my 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, always dress the 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad right before serving, using only half the vinaigrette initially. My mistake was over-dressing too early. Keep ingredients separate until assembly for ultimate crispness.

→ Can I make this Ultimate 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. Also, ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey for the vinaigrette, which works perfectly.

→ Can I make this Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prep components up to 2 days ahead. Wash greens, slice fruit, toast pecans, and whisk vinaigrette, storing them separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving for best crispness and flavor.

→ How long can I store leftover 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Dressed leftover salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days, but spinach quickly becomes soggy. I learned not to leave it out. Look for excessive wilting or an off-smell as signs of spoilage.