15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in 15 minutes! This delicious salad features fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, creamy feta cheese, and a simple balsamic dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, it’s a versatile dish that will brighten any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy feta creates a delightful taste experience.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from spinach and antioxidants from berries, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it pairs well with various proteins like chicken or fish.
- Beautiful Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
To make the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Salad serving bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Measuring cups: These help ensure you get the right proportions for your dressing and ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for blending the balsamic dressing smoothly.
- Salad serving bowl: Using an attractive serving bowl enhances presentation when serving guests.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
For the Salad Base
- 10 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
For Toppings
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, some of them chopped)
How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Whisk together until well blended and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad serving bowl, add baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries.
- Gently toss these ingredients together to combine.
Step 3: Add Toppings
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Add the toasted pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
This vibrant and delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Whether as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, it pairs beautifully with many meals.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Enjoy the salad on its own for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
With Grilled Meats
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak to complement the freshness of the salad.
- The sweet strawberries and tangy feta enhance the flavors of the meats.
At Potlucks and Gatherings
- Bring this salad to potlucks; it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.
- The bright colors make it visually appealing on any buffet table.
With a Slice of Bread
- Pair it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious balsamic dressing.
- A warm baguette enhances the overall meal experience.
As Part of a Mediterranean Feast
- Include this salad in a Mediterranean-themed meal with hummus, pita, and tzatziki.
- It balances out heavier dishes with its lightness and freshness.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Creating the perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is easy when you follow these helpful tips. These suggestions can help you customize and enhance your salad.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste.
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their natural oils and adds depth to your salad. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Adjust Dressing Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey or brown sugar. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Add Extra Fruits: Feel free to incorporate other fruits like mandarin oranges or kiwi for added color and flavor. This enhances both nutritional value and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after preparing it. This keeps the spinach crisp and vibrant.
- Make Ahead Tips: If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until ready to serve. This prevents soggy greens.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers enhance the meal’s heartiness while keeping it light.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf provides additional texture and complements the salad’s sweetness beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add warmth and richness to your plate, balancing out the freshness of the salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover dressing, adding delicious flavor contrasts.
- Cheese Platter: A simple cheese platter featuring brie, cheddar, or gouda offers variety without overshadowing the main dish.
- Fruit Platter: A fresh fruit platter can double as dessert, providing sweet options that match well with your strawberry spinach salad.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed with olive oil or vinaigrette pairs nicely without overpowering your main flavors.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a hearty option that complements this fresh salad perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is easy, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the washing step: Always wash your spinach and strawberries thoroughly. This removes dirt and pesticides, ensuring a fresh salad.
- Using stale nuts: Toasted pecans add crunch and flavor. Make sure they are fresh, as old nuts can taste rancid.
- Not balancing flavors: The sweetness of strawberries needs to be balanced with the tanginess of the dressing. Adjust the honey or balsamic vinegar to achieve the right flavor profile.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a little, toss, then add more if needed.
- Ignoring texture variety: Mix in various textures by adding crispy ingredients like croutons or seeds along with feta and pecans for more depth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the spinach and strawberries will become mushy when thawed.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power for 1-2 minutes; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they may release more moisture. Thaw them before adding to the salad.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to customize your salad with avocado slices, grilled chicken, or different nuts like walnuts or almonds for added protein and flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors and colors. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions—from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings to make it truly yours. Enjoy this delightful dish!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Experience a burst of fresh flavors with the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. This vibrant dish combines juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese over a bed of nutrient-rich baby spinach, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a showstopper at gatherings, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers a nutritious boost packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled meats, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large serving bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries; gently toss.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the salad.
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
