Sweet Berry Spinach Salad Recipe with Feta, Pecans & Balsamic Glaze

Summer memories dance through this vibrant berry spinach salad that combines unexpected flavor companions in one delightful dish.

Crisp baby spinach leaves create a lush green canvas for juicy berries bursting with sweet intensity.

Tangy feta crumbles add sharp, creamy contrast against the soft leafy greens.

Crunchy pecans bring a nutty depth that elevates every refreshing bite.

Drizzled balsamic glaze weaves a rich, complex note through the entire composition.

Colorful and light, this salad promises to be your new favorite quick lunch or elegant side.

Grab your fork and savor each incredible combination of textures and flavors.

FAQs for Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans and Feta

• Are the berries interchangeable in this salad?

Yes, you can swap strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Just ensure they’re fresh and ripe.

• Do I need to use fresh spinach for this recipe?

Fresh spinach is recommended as it provides better texture and flavor. Baby spinach works best since it’s tender and has a milder taste compared to mature spinach leaves.

• Can I prepare the pecans ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can toast pecans up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps save time during salad preparation.

• Is there a way to make the salad more protein-rich?

Consider adding grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or cooked quinoa to increase the protein content and make the salad more substantial as a complete meal.

Why Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans and Feta Deserves a Spot at the Table

• Toss together this vibrant salad in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch cravings.
• Packed with antioxidant-rich spinach and berries, this salad delivers a serious health boost while satisfying your taste buds.
• Creamy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and sweet-tangy balsamic glaze elevate this simple salad to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• Enjoy as a light lunch, refreshing side dish, or add grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal that works for any occasion.

What Goes Into Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans and Feta

• Spinach: Crisp, tender base for the salad with a mild, slightly earthy flavor. Baby spinach works best for a softer texture.

• Strawberries, Blueberries: Sweet and tangy fresh berries that add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor. Choose ripe, in-season berries for the best taste.
• Pecans: Crunchy and rich, providing a delightful nutty contrast to the soft greens. Toasting enhances their natural buttery flavor and adds depth.

• Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy cheese that crumbles easily and adds a tangy Mediterranean touch. Use traditional sheep's milk feta for authentic flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and slightly acidic reduction that ties all ingredients together. Adds glossy finish and complex flavor profile to the salad.

How to Build Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans and Feta

Step 1: Prepare Spinach and Berries

Gently rinse spinach leaves and mixed berries under cool running water. Pat dry completely using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to ensure crisp texture.

Step 2: Toast Nutty Pecans

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until they release a rich, toasted aroma. Remove from heat and let cool on a plate.

Step 3: Crumble Creamy Feta

Break feta cheese into small, irregular chunks using your fingers or a fork. This helps distribute the tangy cheese more evenly throughout the salad.

Step 4: Assemble Vibrant Salad

• Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Toasted pecan pieces
• Crumbled feta cheese

Step 5: Drizzle Balsamic Glaze

Slowly pour balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern across the salad, ensuring even coverage. The glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish to the dish.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the salad right away to maintain the crisp spinach and fresh berry flavors. Optional: Add a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Tips to Get the Most Flavor in Berry Spinach Salad

• Boost Spinach Freshness: Pat spinach leaves completely dry to prevent soggy salad and ensure crisp texture.
• Maximize Pecan Flavor: Watch pecans closely while toasting to avoid burning; they should smell nutty and turn slightly golden.
• Perfect Feta Crumbling: Use room temperature feta for easier, more delicate crumbling that distributes evenly throughout the salad.
• Balance Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle glaze sparingly to complement, not overpower, the delicate berry and spinach flavors.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Wash and dry ingredients separately, storing in airtight containers to maintain freshness until ready to assemble.

How to Store Berry Spinach Salad Without Wilting

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Store spinach, berries, pecans, and feta in different compartments to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the delicate ingredients will lose texture and become mushy.
• Quickly crisp up pecans in a dry skillet and toss fresh spinach leaves with the stored ingredients right before serving to restore the salad's original crunch.

Great Pairings for Berry Spinach Salad

• The buttery notes and light acidity of a chilled Chardonnay complement the sweet berries and tangy feta perfectly, creating a refreshing harmony of flavors.
• Toasted sourdough bread provides a delightful crunch and neutral base that balances the salad's bright and complex taste profile, allowing each ingredient to shine.
• Sliced, herb-seasoned grilled chicken transforms this salad into a complete meal, adding lean protein that enhances the berry and pecan textures without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
• A bubbly, lightly flavored citrus sparkling water cuts through the richness of the feta and pecans, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a refreshing zingy element.

Adjusting Berry Spinach Salad for Seasonal Swaps

• Vegan Berry Delight: Replace feta with crumbled tofu or plant-based cheese alternative, using nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Garden Option: Swap regular pecans for tamari-roasted nuts to ensure complete gluten-free preparation.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Substitute spinach with mixed kale and arugula, add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for increased protein content.
• Keto-Friendly Remix: Use sugar-free balsamic reduction, replace feta with full-fat goat cheese, and add sliced almonds for extra crunch.

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

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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent berry spinach salad brings Mediterranean flair to your plate, blending sweet and tangy flavors. Fresh ingredients and elegant dressing create a gourmet experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (150 g) fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup (75 g) fresh blueberries
• ½ cup (75 g) fresh raspberries

Nuts and Cheese:

• ⅓ cup (40 g) pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup (50 g) crumbled feta cheese

Dressing and Additional Optional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein

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Instructions

1. Carefully rinse fresh spinach leaves and assorted berries under cool water, gently patting them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature, adding raw pecans and stirring continuously until they release a rich, nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove toasted pecans from heat and allow them to cool completely on a clean plate, preventing further browning.
4. Arrange crisp spinach leaves as a vibrant green base in a large serving bowl, creating an inviting foundation for the salad.
5. Scatter fresh mixed berries generously across the spinach, ensuring even distribution for a balanced flavor profile.
6. Sprinkle cooled, toasted pecans over the berries, adding a delightful crunch and depth to the salad’s texture.
7. Crumble tangy feta cheese over the top, allowing the white chunks to contrast beautifully with the colorful berries and green spinach.
8. Drizzle balsamic glaze in an elegant zigzag pattern across the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a hint of sweet and tart dressing.
9. Serve immediately to preserve the spinach’s freshness and prevent wilting, presenting a visually stunning and delicious berry salad.

Notes

• Toast pecans gently to release their rich, nutty flavor without burning, watching carefully and stirring frequently during the 2-3 minute process.
• Select fresh, ripe berries at peak season for maximum sweetness and vibrant color in the salad, ensuring they are firm and free from bruises.
• Swap feta for goat cheese or vegan alternatives like cashew cheese to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Rinse spinach leaves meticulously to remove any dirt or grit, using a salad spinner or patting dry with clean kitchen towels to prevent soggy greens.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg