Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

Craving a salad that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a simple dinner. This salad is not just food; it’s an experience!

Why You’ll Love This Berry Spinach Salad

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The mix of berries, feta, and balsamic glaze creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Nutrient-Packed: Spinach, berries, and pecans are all nutritional powerhouses.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any table.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks and gatherings.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite berries or nuts.
• Light & Refreshing: The perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Satisfying: A salad that truly satisfies your taste buds and hunger.

Ingredients Needed for Your Berry Spinach Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing salad:

• Fresh Baby Spinach: 6 cups (approximately 170g). Opt for organic spinach if possible.
• Mixed Berries: 1 cup (approximately 150g) – a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Fresh is best, but frozen (and thawed) will work in a pinch.
• Pecans: 1/2 cup (approximately 50g), roughly chopped. Look for high-quality pecans that are plump and have a rich, nutty aroma. Toasting them is key!
• Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup (approximately 30g), crumbled. Use a good quality feta that’s creamy and tangy, made from sheep’s milk for a more authentic flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: 2 tbsp (approximately 30ml). Store-bought is fine, or you can easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (approximately 30ml). Extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor.
• Honey: 1 tbsp (approximately 15ml). You can substitute maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.

For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients possible! Don’t skimp on the quality of your berries or feta.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Chickpea Strawberry Spinach Salad – A similar salad with an added protein boost!

Essential Equipment List

• Large Salad Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together. A clear glass bowl also looks great for serving!
• Small Skillet: For toasting the pecans to enhance their flavor.
• Small Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: For emulsifying the olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. A fork can be used as an alternative.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the strawberries and roughly chopping the pecans.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Servings: 4

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• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable. Double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Berry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Use a salad spinner for best results. Place the dried spinach in a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Add the Berries

Slice the strawberries, if using, into bite-sized pieces. Add them, along with the blueberries and raspberries, to the bowl with the spinach. The combination of sweet and tart berries is what makes this salad so irresistible.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans

In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the roughly chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad. Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, adding a wonderful dimension to the salad.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Feta

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad. The salty, tangy feta complements the sweetness of the berries perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This simple dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy. Finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, tying all the flavors together.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve the salad immediately and enjoy! Freshness is key to this salad’s appeal.

CHECK OUT: Watermelon Salad with Feta – Another refreshing salad with feta cheese!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to avoid a soggy salad.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting brings out the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and berries make a huge difference in taste and texture.
• Chill Your Berries: Keep your berries chilled until ready to use. This will help keep the salad cool and refreshing.
• Make Balsamic Glaze at Home: Simmer balsamic vinegar on low heat until it reduces and thickens into a glaze.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Berries: Try adding blackberries, or even sliced grapes.
• Nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for the pecans.
• Cheese: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Greens: Use a spring mix or arugula instead of spinach.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Berry Spinach Salad

This Berry Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile! Pair it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• A light quiche for a brunch spread.
• Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue.
• A glass of sparkling water or iced tea complements the salad’s refreshing flavors.

Health Benefits of Berry Spinach Salad

This salad is more than just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients!

• Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamin K, and folate, promoting healthy blood and bones.
• Berries: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting your immune system and protecting against cell damage.
• Pecans: A good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E, supporting heart health and providing sustained energy.
• Feta: Provides calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscle function.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store undressed salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Store the dressing in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Not recommended, as the spinach will wilt. This salad is best served fresh.

To prevent spoilage, ensure the spinach is completely dry before storing. This will help maintain its crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the individual components (spinach, berries, pecans, feta, dressing) ahead of time and store them separately. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Sliced apples, pears, or mandarin oranges would be delicious additions.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make my own balsamic glaze?

Yes, you can make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces and thickens.

How do I prevent the pecans from burning while toasting?

Keep a close eye on the pecans while toasting and stir them frequently. Remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I use a different type of sweetener in the dressing?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice instead of honey.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. These are estimates and would need a nutritional calculator to get a more precise figure.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more refreshing and flavorful salads? Check out these amazing recipes:

• Peach Burrata Salad – A taste of summer with creamy burrata and juicy peaches.
• Greek Chickpea Salad with Feta – A Mediterranean-inspired salad packed with flavor and protein.
• Chickpea Caprese Salad – A vegetarian twist on the classic Italian salad.

Conclusion

This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. This recipe is fast, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight – tag us with your masterpiece!

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