15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that comes together in just 15 minutes! This vibrant salad, featuring fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy Feta cheese, is perfect for weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or simply looking for a quick side dish, this salad will impress everyone at the table with its fresh ingredients and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from spinach and strawberries, it’s a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Versatile: Suitable for various occasions like potlucks, BBQs, and holiday meals; it pairs well with many main dishes.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet strawberries complement the tangy balsamic dressing, while pecans add crunch to every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, this salad is sure to impress friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To make your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools on hand will make your preparation smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Salad serving bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending the balsamic dressing smoothly.
- Knife & Cutting Board: These are crucial for slicing strawberries and chopping pecans to your preferred size.
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 balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Use a whisk to mix until the honey is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Wash and Slice the Produce
- Rinse the baby spinach, strawberries, and blueberries under cold water.
- Slice the hulled strawberries into thin pieces.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large salad serving bowl, add the washed baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled Feta cheese over the top.
- Add toasted pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with dressing.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
- Serve your delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad right away for maximum freshness! Enjoy!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to complement your meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main dish.
- Add quinoa or farro for a heartier, grain-based option.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with roasted meats like turkey or pork to balance the flavors.
- Serve alongside pasta dishes for a refreshing contrast.
At Picnics and Potlucks
- Pack in portable containers for easy transport.
- Bring extra dressing on the side to keep it fresh until serving.
For Holiday Gatherings
- Present it on a large platter to impress guests.
- Add edible flowers for an elegant touch that’s perfect for special occasions.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Include it in a buffet line for an eye-catching salad option.
- Complement with muffins and fruit for a well-rounded brunch experience.
How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
To elevate your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and spinach make a big difference in taste. Choose vibrant, ripe berries for maximum sweetness.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting enhances their flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Chill your ingredients: Keeping the spinach and strawberries chilled adds freshness to your salad. Prepare them ahead of time if possible.
- Customize your dressing: Adjust the sweetness of the balsamic dressing by adding more honey or brown sugar based on your taste preference.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken: A protein-packed option that complements the sweetness of the salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables add color and additional nutrients to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty grain dish that offers fiber and pairs well with salads.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser alongside salads.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses adds variety and richness, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Fruit Skewers: Light and refreshing, they echo the fruity elements of your salad while providing extra vitamins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a delicious 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results.
- Using stale ingredients: Always choose fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Check the quality before you start.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Not toasting pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor of pecans. Spend a few minutes doing this to elevate your salad.
- Skipping the seasoning: A little salt can bring out the flavors in your salad. Don’t forget to sprinkle some over the top before serving.
- Making it too early: This salad is best served fresh. Prepare it close to serving time to maintain its crispness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh ingredients and texture changes.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Not recommended due to the fresh nature of this dish.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will wilt the spinach and ruin freshness.
- Stovetop: It’s better served cold, so reheating is not advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
How do I make a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad vegan?
You can replace feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it. Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.
Can I use other fruits in my salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add fruits like apples or oranges for added flavor and variety.
What can I pair with my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a side dish for pasta dishes.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad stays fresh for about 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize it by adding different fruits, nuts, or proteins based on your preferences. Give this vibrant recipe a try and enjoy its refreshing flavors!
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Experience the delightful taste of a 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, a perfect blend of fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy Feta cheese. This vibrant salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. With its sweet-tangy balsamic dressing and colorful ingredients, this salad is sure to impress family and friends at any occasion. Whether served as a light main course or a refreshing side dish, this salad is versatile and delicious, showcasing the best of summer’s bounty.
Ingredients
- 10 oz 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.
- Rinse the spinach, strawberries, and blueberries under cold water; slice the strawberries.
- In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries, Feta cheese, and pecans.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until coated.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
