Refreshing Berry Spinach Salad Recipe with Nutty Feta Charm

A vibrant berry spinach salad that bursts with unexpected flavors and colors, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Crisp baby spinach leaves create a lush green canvas for juicy berries dancing across the plate.

Sweet strawberries and blueberries mingle effortlessly with tangy feta crumbles, offering contrasting textures that surprise you.

Crunchy pecans add a rich, nutty dimension that elevates every single bite.

Fresh ingredients combine in a way that feels both elegant and casual, perfect for summer gatherings.

Salty feta and sweet balsamic glaze create a magical harmony that makes this salad irresistible.

Hunger for something fresh and delicious?

This recipe will become your new favorite mealtime sensation.

Pro Tips For Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Boost Spinach Freshness: Rinse leaves carefully and pat dry with paper towels to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture.
• Perfect Pecan Toasting: Keep a close eye during skillet roasting, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown color.
• Maximize Flavor Balance: Layer ingredients strategically, placing feta and pecans last to preserve their distinct textures and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to keep spinach leaves vibrant and prevent premature wilting.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.

Why Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze Is So Refreshing

• Burst with Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet berries, tangy feta, and earthy spinach creates a vibrant taste explosion that dances on your palate.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Toasting pecans takes just minutes, while washing ingredients is simple, making this salad perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Spinach delivers incredible health benefits, packed with iron and vitamins, while berries add antioxidants and pecans provide heart-healthy fats.
• Texture Sensation: Crisp spinach leaves contrast beautifully with crunchy toasted pecans, creamy feta, and juicy berries, offering a delightful mouthfeel in every bite.

What You’ll Need For Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Spinach: Crisp, nutrient-packed base for the salad with vibrant green color and mild flavor. Baby spinach works best for tender texture.

• Mixed Berries, Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and tangy components that add bright color and juicy bursts. Choose ripe, seasonal berries for maximum flavor.

• Pecans: Provides rich, buttery crunch and toasted depth to the salad. Lightly toasting enhances their natural nutty flavor and aroma.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty element that balances the sweetness of berries. Crumbled texture adds interesting contrast.

• Balsamic Glaze: Adds glossy, sweet-tangy finish that ties all ingredients together. Homemade or store-bought works well.

How To Make Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Gently rinse spinach leaves and berries under cool running water. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. The goal is to remove all moisture to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

Step 2: Toast Crunchy Pecans

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Carefully add pecans and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re perfectly toasted when a rich, nutty aroma fills your kitchen. Remove from heat and let cool on a separate plate.

Step 3: Arrange Salad Base

In a large serving bowl, spread fresh spinach leaves as the foundation. The leaves should create a vibrant green canvas for your colorful ingredients.

Step 4: Add Colorful Berries

• Fresh strawberries
• Plump blueberries
• Juicy raspberries

Step 5: Crumble Creamy Cheese

Generously scatter crumbled feta cheese across the salad. The white cheese creates beautiful contrast against the green leaves and bright berries.

Step 6: Scatter Toasted Pecans

Distribute the cooled, toasted pecans evenly over the salad. Their golden-brown color and crunchy texture will add wonderful depth to each bite.

Step 7: Drizzle Balsamic Glaze

Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, create artistic drizzles of balsamic glaze across the entire salad. The dark, sweet reduction will tie all ingredients together beautifully.

Step 8: Toss and Serve

Gently mix all ingredients using salad tongs or two large spoons. Ensure every component gets coated with the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Serving Suggestion: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or as a standalone light lunch. Enjoy chilled for the most refreshing experience.

How To Store And Reheat Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep spinach, berries, and toasted pecans in different sealed containers to prevent sogginess.
• Cheese Storage: Place feta cheese in a separate container with a tight lid, ensuring it's protected from moisture and strong odors in the refrigerator.
• Quick Tip: Consume the salad within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Avoid adding dressing to the entire salad to prevent wilting and maintain crispness.
• Reheating Pecans: Quickly restore toasted pecans' crunch by warming them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding back to the salad.

Great Pairings For Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this vibrant salad with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, whose light, citrusy notes complement the sweet berries and tangy feta perfectly.
• Elevate with Sparkling Water Twist: Add a splash of lemon or berry-infused sparkling water to enhance the salad's refreshing flavors and provide a bubbly, palate-cleansing experience.
• Match with Goat Cheese Crostini: Serve alongside toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese, creating a delightful texture contrast and extending the salad's Mediterranean-inspired theme.
• Boost with Grilled Chicken: Add a light, protein-packed grilled chicken breast to transform this salad into a satisfying main course while maintaining the dish's fresh, summery character.

Easy Twists On Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Tropical Fusion Salad: Swap spinach for mixed baby greens and add mango chunks, coconut flakes, and replace feta with goat cheese for a vibrant island-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate arugula instead of spinach, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap balsamic glaze with a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a Greek-style experience.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad by adding grilled chicken or seared salmon, sprinkle quinoa for extra protein, and use roasted almonds instead of pecans for a hearty meal.
• Winter Warmth Edition: Roast butternut squash cubes, use kale as the base green, include pomegranate seeds, and keep pecans but swap feta for blue cheese to create a seasonal comfort salad.

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

• Are pecans necessary for this salad?

Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but you can substitute with almonds or walnuts if preferred.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep spinach crisp and prevent soggy greens.

• Is feta cheese essential to the recipe?

Feta provides a tangy, creamy element, but you can swap with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.

• How do I know when pecans are perfectly toasted?

Toast pecans until they become fragrant and slightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning – about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

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

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Luscious berry spinach salad dazzles taste buds with fresh ingredients and elegant flavor combinations. Crisp spinach leaves, sweet berries, salty feta, and crunchy pecans create a perfect harmony you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Components:

• 6 cups (150 grams / 5.3 ounces) fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup (150 grams / 5.3 ounces) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup (75 grams / 2.6 ounces) fresh blueberries
• ½ cup (75 grams / 2.6 ounces) fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Topping Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (40 grams / 1.4 ounces) pecans, toasted
• 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Additions:

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a pristine base by gently rinsing fresh spinach leaves and delicate berries, patting them completely dry with clean kitchen towels to preserve their vibrant texture.
2. Heat a skillet over medium flame and carefully toast pecans, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they release a rich, nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown hue.
3. Allow toasted pecans to cool and become crisp on a separate plate, enhancing their crunchy texture for the salad.
4. Arrange crisp spinach leaves as a verdant foundation in a serving bowl, creating an elegant green canvas.
5. Scatter a medley of mixed berries across the spinach, distributing them evenly for a burst of color and tangy sweetness.
6. Sprinkle cooled, toasted pecans over the salad, providing a delightful crunch and earthy undertone.
7. Crumble feta cheese generously, allowing its creamy, salty essence to complement the fresh ingredients.
8. Drizzle balsamic glaze in a graceful, zigzag pattern across the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a delicate coating of sweet-tart reduction.
9. Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching the skillet closely and stirring frequently for even browning.
• Keep spinach crisp by washing and drying completely, using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture that could make leaves soggy.
• Customize the salad for dietary needs by swapping feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.
• Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the salad’s fresh texture and prevent wilting of delicate spinach leaves.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg