Lively Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Recipe

Summer’s fresh bounty bursts with flavor in this delightful berry spinach salad that combines sweet and tangy notes.

Crisp baby spinach leaves intertwine with juicy seasonal berries, creating a colorful balsamic glaze masterpiece.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the bright fruit perfectly.

Toasted pecans bring a delightful crunch to every forkful of this vibrant dish.

The carefully balanced ingredients dance together in a symphony of taste and nutrition.

Each bite promises a refreshing and satisfying experience that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients.

Prepare to savor this irresistible salad that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

How to Toss Berry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze

• Prepare Greens and Nuts

Gently rinse spinach and berries under cool water, then pat dry with paper towels. Warm pecans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they release a nutty aroma and turn golden brown. Set aside to cool and develop deeper flavors.

• Craft Salad Base

Spread fresh spinach leaves across a large serving platter, creating a vibrant green canvas. Scatter mixed berries generously over the greens, allowing their bright colors to peek through the leafy landscape.

• Add Texture and Flavor

Crumble tangy feta cheese across the salad, creating delightful white patches. Sprinkle the toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft berries and delicate spinach.

• Drizzle and Finish

Create elegant swirls of balsamic glaze over the salad, letting the dark liquid create artistic patterns. The glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish that ties all the ingredients together.

• Serve Immediately

Present the salad right away to ensure maximum freshness and maintain the crisp texture of the spinach and the warmth of the pecans. Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that bursts with flavor and color.

Tips to Amp Up Berry Spinach Salad’s Flavor Game

• Freshness Matters: Ensure spinach leaves are crisp and berries are plump and vibrant for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Pecan Perfection: Gently toast pecans until they release a nutty aroma, but watch carefully to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from toasted to burnt.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep ingredients separately and store in airtight containers, combining just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent soggy greens.
• Dietary Twist: Swap feta for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles to make the salad completely plant-based and suitable for vegan diets.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a more substantial meal that transforms this side salad into a satisfying main course with extra protein.

Serve This Salad as a Side or Light Meal

• Fresh Garden Party Plating: Arrange the salad on a large white platter, creating colorful sections of berries, spinach, and crumbled feta for a stunning visual presentation that impresses guests.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken breast slices or seared salmon on top to transform this light salad into a complete, satisfying meal with extra protein and nutrition.
• Brunch Companion Delight: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a classic quiche for a beautiful weekend brunch spread that balances fresh greens with rich, comforting breakfast elements.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the salad's sweet and tangy flavors with a crisp rosé or a light pinot grigio that enhances the balsamic glaze and berry notes without overpowering the delicate ingredients.

Keep Berry Spinach Salad Fresh and Crisp

• Quick Chill Technique: Store the prepared salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess, keeping spinach crisp and berries intact.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep toasted pecans in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crunch and prevent moisture absorption.
• Feta Freshness Strategy: Wrap feta cheese in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container with a bit of olive oil to prevent drying and maintain its creamy texture for 3-4 days.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure maximum flavor and texture, with dressing added at the last moment to keep ingredients vibrant and crisp.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

• Spinach: Fresh, vibrant leaves packed with nutrients that create a tender, crisp base for the salad.
• Mixed Berries: Juicy seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries that add bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

• Pecans: Richly flavored nuts with a buttery crunch, toasted to enhance their natural warmth and depth.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly, salty Greek cheese that adds creamy texture and sharp, tangy notes to the salad.
• Balsamic Glaze: Intensely sweet and syrupy reduction that provides a glossy, deep flavor to tie all ingredients together.

Tools That Help Build the Best Berry Spinach Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing and combining salad ingredients.
• Skillet: Flat-bottomed pan for toasting pecans to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing berries and chopping if needed.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Salad Tongs or Large Spoon: Perfect for gently mixing and serving the salad.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps with precise ingredient portioning, especially for dressing.

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

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering berry spinach salad harmonizes sweet and tangy flavors with fresh spinach, juicy berries, and crumbled feta. Crunchy pecans and rich balsamic glaze elevate this salad, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (150 g) baby spinach, fresh
• 1 cup (150 g) strawberries, fresh, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup (75 g) blueberries, fresh
• ½ cup (75 g) raspberries, fresh
• ⅓ cup (40 g) pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup (50 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsps balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional, for added protein)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse spinach leaves and mixed berries under running water, delicately drying with paper towels to maintain their pristine condition.
2. Pecan Roasting: Toast pecans in a medium-heat skillet, stirring constantly until they emit a rich, aromatic fragrance and achieve a golden-brown hue, roughly 3-4 minutes.
3. Salad Assembly: Layer crisp spinach as the foundational base in a spacious serving bowl, then artfully cascade mixed berries across the verdant surface.
4. Texture and Flavor Enhancement: Distribute cooled, roasted pecans evenly over the berries, then generously crumble feta cheese to introduce a tangy contrast.
5. Finishing Touch: Gracefully drizzle balsamic glaze in an elegant pattern, ensuring each ingredient is subtly coated with the sweet-tart dressing.
6. Serving: Present the salad immediately to preserve the spinach’s vibrancy and maintain the ingredients’ optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Prevent Wilting: Serve the salad immediately after preparation to maintain crisp spinach leaves and prevent soggy texture.
• Perfect Toasting: Watch pecans carefully during toasting, stirring continuously to achieve golden-brown color without burning, using medium heat for optimal flavor development.
• Berry Selection: Choose ripe, firm berries at peak freshness for maximum sweetness and vibrant color, mixing different varieties like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for complex flavor profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for plant-based diets, ensuring the salad remains delicious and nutritionally balanced.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg