15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Quick, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad is absolutely perfect when you want something as beautiful as it is delicious—and ready in just 15 minutes! Every bite brings juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta all together, united by the most irresistible honey-sweetened balsamic glaze.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need much to make magic with this Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad—just a handful of seasonal ingredients blended perfectly together. Each one plays a starring role in delivering sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all in one irresistible bowl!

• Baby spinach: The tender, vibrant base that holds everything together while adding freshness and nutrition.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe, and juicy—sliced strawberries are the hero, delivering natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
• Blueberries: These little bursts pair perfectly with strawberries and add an extra layer of fruity flavor.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta offers tangy, creamy bites that balance out the sweetness from fruit and glaze.
• Pecans: Toasting brings out their deep, nutty aroma, and using both chopped and whole creates fabulous crunch throughout the salad.
• Balsamic vinegar: The base of our homemade glaze—use a good-quality balsamic for the best flavor.
• Honey or brown sugar: This touch of sweetness transforms the vinegar into a rich, silky glaze that’s truly crave-worthy.

Variations

The beauty of this Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to change things up for the season, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or simply use what’s already in your fridge, your options are endless!

• Vegan swap: Skip the feta or use plant-based feta, and swap in maple syrup for honey in the glaze to make it completely vegan.
• Add grilled chicken: Easily turn this salad into a heartier main by topping it with juicy grilled chicken or even salmon.
• Mix up the berries: Try raspberries or blackberries in place of or alongside the blueberries for a fun fruity twist.
• Nut alternatives: Walnuts or sliced almonds are just as delicious if you don’t have pecans on hand.

How to Make Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

Start by combining the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it come to a comfortable simmer, then stir occasionally as it gently bubbles away. In about 10 minutes, you’ll see it thicken and reduce—just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow it to cool a bit; it will continue to thicken as it cools, creating the perfect sweet-and-tangy drizzle!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

While the glaze cools, grab a big salad bowl and toss in the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, juicy blueberries, and creamy feta crumbles. Give everything a gentle toss to combine so each ingredient sparkles on its own but mingles perfectly together.

Step 3: Toast and Add Pecans

Toasting the pecans brings out an irresistible aroma and crunch that you simply cannot skip. Scatter them over the salad, using a mix of whole and chopped pieces so every forkful has some nutty texture.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

Right before serving, drizzle your homemade balsamic glaze generously across each bowl of salad. Watch as the gorgeous dark syrup glides over strawberries and greens—then dig in while it’s still fresh and vibrant!

How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad

Garnishes

For a pretty tabletop presentation, shower each bowl with extra crumbled feta, a few whole blueberries, and a final sprinkle of toasted pecans. A little fresh-cracked black pepper or a handful of torn fresh mint leaves instantly make it look (and taste!) even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad is a summery showstopper on its own, but it’s divine alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or even as part of a picnic spread with quiche, crusty bread, or light pasta dishes. Honestly, it brightens up just about any meal!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in wide, shallow bowls for a modern look, or layer the ingredients in a glass trifle dish for a dazzling potluck centerpiece. For an appetizer, you can even skewer mini versions onto toothpicks—think strawberry, feta, and spinach, all drizzled with glaze as a party bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the salad and glaze separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the spinach from becoming soggy, so everything stays fresh and crisp for up to two days.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the balsamic glaze by pouring it into a small container. The salad ingredients themselves don’t freeze well, as the spinach and berries can lose their texture after thawing.

Reheating

No heating required for this recipe, but if your balsamic glaze is firm from the fridge, gently warm it in the microwave or bring it to room temperature so it drizzles easily again. Then assemble your salad with freshly chilled ingredients.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Balsamic Glazed Strawberry Spinach Salad—it’s as delicious as it is dazzling, and just so easy to make for any occasion. Grab those fresh berries and let this quick salad be your new go-to when you want to impress or simply treat yourself to something special. Enjoy every colorful, flavor-filled bite!

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