Description
This refreshing Berry Spinach Salad combines fresh spinach leaves with juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, crunchy toasted pecans, tangy feta cheese, and a luscious homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, the salad balances sweet, tart, and savory flavors for a vibrant and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup pecans, toasted
Balsamic Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix gently to combine all the fresh produce evenly.
- Add nuts and cheese: Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad, followed by crumbled feta cheese. These add a crunchy and creamy texture contrast to the fresh berries and greens.
- Make balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce until it thickens and is reduced by half, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in honey if you desire a touch of sweetness to balance the tart vinegar.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the warm balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients with the glaze without bruising the berries.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- The balsamic glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; warm slightly before drizzling.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans according to preference.
- To make this salad vegan, omit feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
