15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in 15 minutes! This delightful salad features fresh strawberries, creamy feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and a simple balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner and makes a stunning addition to holiday gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and more. With its colorful ingredients and refreshing taste, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh strawberries and baby spinach, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Versatile Dish: Whether as a side for grilled meats or a main dish topped with grilled chicken, this salad fits perfectly into various meals.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of strawberries paired with tangy feta and crunchy pecans creates a delightful flavor profile.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Its vibrant colors make the Strawberry Spinach Salad visually appealing on any table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you prepare the ingredients quickly and easily.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Salad bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife allows for precise cuts of fruits and greens, ensuring they look great in your salad.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
- Salad bowl: A large bowl allows you to toss all the ingredients together without spilling.
- Whisk: A whisk helps blend the dressing smoothly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
For the Salad
- 10 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 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 small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and honey.
- Whisk until well blended. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Greens
- Rinse the baby spinach under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.
Step 3: Slice the Fruits
- Clean and hull the strawberries, then slice them into thin rounds.
- Rinse the blueberries, ensuring they are clean for your salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle your prepared dressing over the top.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well coated with dressing.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Serving the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is all about enhancing its vibrant flavors and making it a delightful part of your meal. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering, there are several ways to enjoy this refreshing salad.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfectly light and nutritious for lunch on its own.
- A quick meal option when you’re short on time.
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- The savory grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Adds protein, making it a complete meal.
Accompanied by Quinoa
- Quinoa adds an earthy flavor and extra texture.
- It enhances the salad’s nutritional profile while keeping it light.
Served with Garlic Bread
- The crunch and flavor of garlic bread pairs well with this fresh salad.
- A great way to soak up any leftover dressing!
On a Buffet Table
- This salad is visually appealing and invites guests to serve themselves.
- It fits well with various cuisines at potlucks or holiday gatherings.
As a Picnic Favorite
- Easy to pack and transport for outdoor events.
- Refreshing taste makes it ideal for warm weather picnics.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
To get the most out of your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries make all the difference in taste.
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, adding depth to the salad.
- Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the balsamic dressing in advance for quicker assembly.
- Add Variety: Feel free to include other fruits like mandarin oranges or apples for extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after mixing.
- Customize Portions: Adjust ingredient amounts based on your serving needs.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that can round out your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Salmon: A flavorful option that adds richness without overpowering the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies bring color and nutrition, complementing the fresh flavors.
- Pasta Primavera: Light pasta dishes with seasonal vegetables enhance this fresh salad beautifully.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains, beans, or meat for added substance next to your salad.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add variety; opt for soft cheeses like Brie or sharp Cheddar.
- Hummus and Pita Chips: This Mediterranean favorite provides a nice crunch alongside your salad.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a beautiful, refreshing bite that pairs well.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds summer vibes and is easy to prepare alongside any main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be a breeze, but avoiding common mistakes is key.
- Skip the washing process: Always wash your spinach and berries thoroughly. Dirt or pesticides can ruin the fresh taste.
- Ignore ingredient quality: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference. Opt for ripe strawberries and fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Overlook the dressing: A well-balanced dressing enhances your salad. Don’t skimp on the balsamic vinaigrette; it ties all flavors together beautifully.
- Forget about texture: Mixing textures adds interest. Ensure you have crunchy pecans and creamy feta to create a delightful mouthfeel.
- Serve without chilling: Allowing your salad to chill for a few minutes before serving can enhance its flavors. Serve it cold for a refreshing experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of the spinach and strawberries.
- If necessary, freeze only the pecans separately.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place salad in an oven-safe dish, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments (20 seconds) until just warm; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Can I use other fruits in my Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with fruits like raspberries or mandarin oranges for variety.
How do I make my own balsamic dressing?
Combine equal parts balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then add honey or mustard to taste!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving for freshness.
What can I pair with my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent side dish for any meal.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor and color. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits or nuts based on your preference. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its fresh taste at your next gathering!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the refreshing burst of flavors with our 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. This vibrant dish combines succulent strawberries, crisp baby spinach, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a delightful balsamic dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this healthy salad not only looks stunning but also packs a nutritious punch. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal side dish or light meal that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination in every bite!
Ingredients
- 10 oz baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Rinse baby spinach under cold water and pat dry.
- Slice strawberries and rinse blueberries.
- In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
