Fresh Berry Spinach Salad Recipe: Pecan & Feta Magic

Summers buzz with unexpected culinary magic when a berry spinach salad dances onto your plate, blending vibrant ingredients into a refreshing masterpiece.

Crisp green leaves cradle juicy berries like precious jewels nestled in emerald terrain.

Sweet strawberries and tart blueberries mingle with delicate spinach, creating a symphony of flavors that awakens every taste bud.

Creamy feta crumbles add tangy richness, while crunchy pecans provide delightful textural contrast.

Drizzled balsamic glaze weaves a sophisticated note through each colorful bite.

Effortless preparation meets gourmet presentation in this simple yet elegant dish.

Join me in savoring a salad that feels like a celebration of summer’s bounty.

Why Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Is So Fresh

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with fresh spinach, vibrant berries, and protein-rich feta, this salad delivers a knockout punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every delightful bite.
• Create Gourmet Experience at Home: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with the simple addition of a homemade balsamic glaze that elevates the entire salad's flavor profile.
• Quick and Colorful Crowd-Pleaser: Requiring minimal prep and cooking skills, this salad offers a stunning visual appeal with its mix of green spinach, red strawberries, blue blueberries, and white feta that makes it perfect for gatherings or a personal lunch.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add protein like grilled chicken to make this versatile salad fit any dietary preference or hunger level.

Ingredients for Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic

• Spinach: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a fresh and slightly peppery base for the salad.

• Strawberries, Blueberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add vibrant color and natural sweetness to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crisp vegetable that offers a zesty bite and complements the sweet berries.

• Pecans: Toasted nuts that bring a rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy cheese that provides a salty contrast to the sweet berries.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A rich, dark vinegar that reduces to a thick, sweet glaze with intense flavor.
• Honey: Optional sweetener that helps balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and creates a smooth glaze.

How to Prepare Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

Step 1: Prepare Leafy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and gently toss fresh spinach leaves to create a vibrant green foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Add Colorful Berries

• Ripe strawberries
• Juicy blueberries
• Thinly sliced red onion

Step 3: Introduce Crunchy Texture

Sprinkle toasted pecans over the salad to provide a delightful nutty crunch that complements the soft berries.

Step 4: Enhance with Creamy Cheese

Crumble tangy feta cheese across the top of the salad, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout.

Step 5: Create Balsamic Glaze

Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and heat over medium flame.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, thickening into a glossy syrup. Optional: Stir in a touch of honey for extra sweetness.

Allow the glaze to cool slightly.

Step 6: Final Drizzle and Serve

Gracefully drizzle the rich balsamic glaze over the salad just moments before presenting to your guests.

The warm glaze will slightly wilt the spinach and meld all flavors together.

Tips That Elevate Berry Spinach Salad Flavor

• Toast pecans in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, stirring frequently for even browning.
• Swap feta with goat cheese or vegan alternatives for different dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the salad crisp and refreshing, especially during warm weather.
• Prepare balsamic glaze in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, saving time during meal preparation.
• Slice red onions thinly or soak in cold water to reduce sharp bite and make them more palatable in the salad.

Variations of Berry Spinach Salad to Try

• Goat Cheese Swap: Replace feta with creamy goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.
• Vegan Berry Delight: Substitute feta with crumbled tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Omit honey, use a sugar-free balsamic reduction, and add grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunchy texture.

What Goes Well with Berry Spinach Salad

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salad's fruity and tangy flavors, cutting through the richness of feta and adding refreshing notes.
• Craft Perfect Beverage Match: Brew a chilled herbal iced tea with mint or lavender to harmonize with the salad's fresh spinach and berry elements, providing a cooling and subtle botanical backdrop.
• Enhance Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread with olive oil and herbs to add textural contrast and a rustic touch that balances the salad's bright and zesty profile.
• Create Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken or seared salmon on the side to transform the salad into a complete meal, introducing a protein element that matches the salad's light and vibrant character.

Best Storage Practices for Berry Spinach Salad

Store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep spinach, berries, pecans, and feta in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.

Keep dressing and balsamic glaze in a separate small jar. Add these just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and losing its crisp texture.

Before serving leftover salad, gently toss ingredients and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Crisp up pecans by quickly toasting them in a dry skillet for added crunch.

Do not freeze this salad as berries, spinach, and feta will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

• How do I toast pecans for the salad?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before drizzling.

• What if I don't like feta cheese?

Substitute with goat cheese or blue cheese for a similar tangy flavor profile. You can also use fresh mozzarella for a milder taste.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Spinach is packed with nutrients, berries provide antioxidants, pecans offer healthy fats, and the balsamic glaze adds flavor without many calories.

Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s freshest berry spinach salad blends sweet and tangy flavors with creamy feta and crunchy pecans. Rich balsamic glaze drizzled over crisp spinach leaves creates a light, irresistible dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Salad Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

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Instructions

1. Gather fresh spinach leaves and arrange them as a vibrant base in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Gently scatter sliced strawberries and whole blueberries across the verdant green surface.
3. Thinly slice red onion and distribute delicate rings throughout the salad for sharp, tangy undertones.
4. Carefully toast pecans in a dry skillet at medium heat for 3-4 minutes, releasing their rich, nutty aroma, then roughly chop.
5. Sprinkle toasted pecan fragments generously over the fruity landscape.
6. Crumble feta cheese in uneven, creamy clusters across the salad’s expanse.
7. Prepare balsamic glaze by simmering vinegar in a small pan over medium-low heat, reducing volume by approximately 50% for 8-10 minutes until syrupy consistency develops.
8. Optional: Incorporate a drizzle of honey into the reduction for enhanced sweetness.
9. Allow balsamic glaze to cool and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
10. Immediately before serving, artfully drizzle warm balsamic glaze over the salad, creating elegant zigzag patterns.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely in a dry skillet or oven.
• Use fresh, crisp spinach leaves and wash thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt before assembling the salad.
• For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with crumbled plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain a tangy flavor profile.
• Prepare balsamic glaze in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to develop and making meal prep easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg