15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes! This delightful salad features fresh strawberries, creamy Feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a simple Balsamic dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions like picnics and potlucks, this salad is sure to impress your guests while providing a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes needed to prepare this dish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of strawberries and spinach makes it a refreshing choice packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a main course; it’s adaptable to any meal plan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and flavors ensure that this salad will be a hit at any event.
- Simple Dressing: The easy Balsamic dressing ties everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
To create your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending the Balsamic dressing smoothly, ensuring an even coating on your salad.
- Salad spinner: Helps wash and dry the spinach quickly, keeping it fresh and crisp for serving.
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 mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). Whisk until well blended. Set aside so the flavors can meld.
Step 2: Wash the Greens
If using a salad spinner, rinse your baby spinach under cold water. Spin dry to remove excess moisture. If you don’t have one, pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the washed baby spinach. Next, sprinkle in the sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour your prepared Balsamic dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with dressing.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer the salad into serving bowls or plates. Enjoy your deliciously fresh 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad immediately for optimal freshness!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Serving the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this vibrant salad.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with grilled chicken for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside fish tacos to add a light touch.
For a Brunch Spread
- Place in a large bowl as part of a buffet.
- Offer it with quiche for a delightful brunch combination.
At Potlucks and Gatherings
- Bring it to share; its colors attract attention.
- Use individual cups for easy serving and transport.
As a Light Lunch Option
- Add grilled shrimp on top for protein.
- Serve with whole grain bread for a complete meal.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
To enhance your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Toast your nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor, adding depth to the salad.
- Adjust sweetness: Customize the dressing by adding more or less honey based on your taste preference.
- Add variety: Mix in other fruits like mandarin oranges or apples for extra flavor and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy chicken adds protein, complementing the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty side rich in fiber that balances the lightness of the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful veggies provide warmth and rustic flavors alongside the salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover dressing.
- Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish brings additional textures and flavors to your meal.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Wilted greens or overripe berries can ruin the salad.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Not toasting nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Skip this step, and you might miss out on that delicious crunch.
- Chopping toppings too large: If you cut your fruits and cheese too big, it will be hard to mix and eat. Aim for bite-sized pieces for an enjoyable experience.
- Ignoring seasoning: A pinch of salt can elevate the flavors in your salad. Without it, the dish may taste flat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as fresh ingredients lose their texture and taste.
- If you must freeze, omit fruits and dressings before freezing.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad components on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the leaves crisp.
What other fruits can I add to my strawberry spinach salad?
You can add apples, mandarin oranges, or kiwi for extra flavor and color.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store components separately to maintain freshness until ready to serve.
How can I customize my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
You can switch feta with goat cheese or add grilled chicken for protein.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and easy but also vibrant and full of flavor. Perfect as a side dish or main course, it allows for plenty of customization based on your taste preferences. Try it today and enjoy its delightful mix of sweetness and crunch!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, a refreshing and nutritious dish that comes together in just a quarter of an hour. This easy recipe features crisp baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a simple homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this salad not only dazzles the eyes with its colorful presentation but also delights the palate with its sweet and savory notes. Whether you serve it as a side dish or make it the star of your lunch, this salad is sure to impress both family and friends.
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 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.
- Rinse baby spinach under cold water and dry using a salad spinner or paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
