Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and freshness, you’ve come to the right place! This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is one of my absolute favorites. It combines the vibrant sweetness of berries with the earthy taste of spinach, all topped off with creamy feta and crunchy pecans. This salad is not just delicious; it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a bright addition to family gatherings.

I love how versatile this salad is—it’s light enough to serve as an appetizer but hearty enough to stand alone as a meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while satisfying your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful salad in no time!
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of juicy berries and crisp spinach creates a refreshing taste that everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them just before serving, making entertaining a breeze.
• Nutritious Delight: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and greens, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Berry Spinach Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need for this colorful dish!

For the Salad

• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup pecans (toasted)
• 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)

For the Balsamic Glaze

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add Some Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Mix Up the Greens: Try arugula or kale instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Change the Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture.
• Add More Crunch: Include sunflower seeds or walnuts for added texture.

How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted pecans. Mixing these ingredients together brings out their flavors and creates a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Add the Feta

Next, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of your salad mix. The feta adds creaminess that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the berries and crunch of the nuts.

Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze

For the balsamic glaze, heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to simmer until it reduces by half and thickens slightly. If you’d like extra sweetness, stir in honey here. Let it cool; this glaze ties all the flavors together beautifully!

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

Just before serving, drizzle that delicious balsamic glaze over your salad. This final touch elevates every bite! Give everything a gentle toss if desired, then enjoy your flavorful creation.

And there you have it—a delightful Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze that will brighten any table! Enjoy this nutritious dish knowing it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Making Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

Creating the perfect Berry Spinach Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some helpful tips to make your salad shine!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and berries to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value. Fresh produce enhances the overall taste and texture of the salad.

• Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and adds a delightful crunch. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and golden.

• Customize Your Fruits: Feel free to mix in other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blackberries. This not only adds variety but also creates a vivid color palette that will make your salad visually appealing.

• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing this salad for a gathering, you can wash and chop your ingredients ahead of time. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp!

• Experiment with Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, consider using goat cheese or a plant-based alternative. Each option provides a unique flavor profile that can transform your salad experience.

How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

Presenting your Berry Spinach Salad beautifully can enhance its appeal at any meal. Here are some ideas to help you serve this delightful dish in style!

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of mint adds a refreshing kick that complements the sweetness of the berries.
• Chopped Chives: These bring a mild onion flavor that pairs well with feta, adding both color and taste.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers provide a hearty protein option that balances out the lightness of the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa dish mixed with herbs makes for a nutritious side that complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness works beautifully with the tangy balsamic glaze, adding depth to your meal.
• Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup can create a comforting contrast to the crispness of your salad, making it an ideal pairing for cooler days.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze will not only be delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy crafting this delightful dish to share with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. Here’s how to store it effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the balsamic glaze separate until ready to serve to avoid wilting the greens.
• Enjoy leftovers within 2 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients.
• However, you can freeze the balsamic glaze separately if you have any leftover. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold!
• Just give it a nice toss before serving to refresh everything.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful salad:

How can I make my Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. The other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!

Can I customize my Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other berries like raspberries or blackberries, or even other nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added crunch.

How long does the balsamic glaze last?

The balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just reheat it slightly if it thickens too much after cooling!

What are some good pairings for this salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside whole grain bread or quinoa for added fiber.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze as much as I do! It’s not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients that make it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable—feel free to experiment with flavors and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!