If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, then this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s fresh, light, and yet satisfying enough to stand alone or complement your favorite main dishes. The juicy berries paired with crisp spinach and toasted pecans create a delightful medley, while the creamy feta adds a savory touch that makes every bite unforgettable. As if that’s not enough, the luscious balsamic glaze ties everything together beautifully, making this salad the star of any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is key to crafting this delicious salad. Each component has been thoughtfully chosen to bring a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make the dish shine and keep it nutritious and fresh.
- Fresh spinach leaves: These leafy greens provide a light, crisp base loaded with vitamins and a slightly earthy flavor.
- Strawberries (sliced): Their natural sweetness and juicy texture brighten up the salad with stunning red hues.
- Blueberries: Adding pops of deep blue color and a burst of tartness to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a mild pungency and crunchy contrast without overpowering the other flavors.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Salty and creamy, feta adds richness and depth, melting smoothly around the berries and greens.
- Pecans (toasted): Toasting brings out their nutty aroma and crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor profile.
- Balsamic vinegar: Reduced to a glaze, it delivers a sweet and tangy drizzle that ties all the ingredients together wonderfully.
- Honey (optional): A touch of natural sweetness to mellow the acidity of the balsamic glaze for those who love a more balanced finish.
How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing together fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, juicy blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl. This colorful foundation brings together sweet, tart, crisp, and slightly pungent elements that awaken your palate and make the salad as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 2: Add Pecans and Feta
Next up, sprinkle in toasted pecans for that incredible crunch and burst of nuttiness, then crumble feta cheese evenly over the top. The salty creaminess from the feta perfectly complements the freshness of the berries and greens, creating a harmony of textures on your fork.
Step 3: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
To create the signature drizzle, simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half and thickens into a sweet, syrupy glaze. For an extra hint of natural sweetness, stir in a spoonful of honey while it’s still warm. This glaze will be the magic touch that elevates your salad to restaurant-worthy status.
Step 4: Drizzle and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the luscious balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss everything gently to ensure the greens and berries get lightly coated without bruising. This step is what brings out all the salad’s flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, consider adding a sprinkle of microgreens or fresh mint leaves on top. A few extra whole pecans or a dusting of cracked black pepper can also add a subtle boost in both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a hearty quinoa bowl. It can also be a fresh side to richer mains, balancing heavier flavors with its bright, tangy character.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl for an eye-catching, colorful display. Alternatively, serve it in individual cups for a charming party appetizer that lets everyone enjoy this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers to keep each ingredient fresh. Keep the spinach and berries refrigerated and the balsamic glaze in a small jar. Assemble and drizzle just before serving again to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh berries and spinach will become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for the crisp texture and vibrant flavors it offers.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. The fresh ingredients are at their best when crisp and fresh, so it’s perfect as a refreshing dish served right after preparation.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens can be great substitutes. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
What can I use in place of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can offer a similar crunch and complement the salad beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are all naturally vegan-friendly.
How long does the balsamic glaze keep?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the balsamic glaze will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just give it a gentle stir before using if it thickens too much.
Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the berries fresh and the spinach crisp. Make the balsamic glaze in advance to save time on your event day.
Final Thoughts
This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time. It’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients coming together effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or as an impressive side at your next dinner, this salad promises to bring joy to your table and keep everyone asking for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Berry Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, tangy crumbled feta, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a rich balsamic reduction glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup pecans, toasted
Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion to create a colorful base for the salad.
- Add Pecans and Feta: Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the salad mixture and then add the crumbled feta cheese on top, distributing it for a nice balance of texture and flavor.
- Prepare Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan set over medium heat, pour the balsamic vinegar and simmer it until it reduces by half and thickens into a glaze consistency. If desired, stir in the honey for added sweetness and balance.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the warm balsamic glaze evenly over the salad just before serving to add a rich, tangy finish. Toss gently to coat the ingredients without bruising the fruits or greens.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- The honey in the balsamic glaze is optional; omit for a tangier flavor or add more for increased sweetness.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep spinach leaves crisp and fresh.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
