Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

You know those salads that feel like a treat, not just a side dish? This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is exactly that. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this salad combines the sweetness of berries, the earthiness of spinach, and the crunchy, salty goodness of pecans and feta. It’s the perfect balance of textures, and honestly, it’s like summer in a bowl. Trust me, you’ll feel so good eating this, and you’ll be hooked after the first bite.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

Let me tell you, this salad checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s one of my go-to recipes:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a dish to bring to a BBQ, this salad can do it all. It’s super flexible and works for any occasion, from casual meals to fancy get-togethers.
• Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are easy to find, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. No need for anything fancy, just fresh ingredients that shine on their own.
• Quick and Easy: It takes minutes to throw together. Just chop, toss, and you’re ready to serve. It’s a perfect recipe for when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
• Customizable: You can mix it up based on what you’ve got. Love walnuts instead of pecans? Go for it! Want to add some grilled chicken or bacon? That works too. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes your personal touch.
• Crowd-Pleasing: I can’t think of a person who wouldn’t love this salad. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making it for yourself, it’s a winner. The mix of flavors is just irresistible!

Ingredients

This salad is all about fresh, feel-good ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Let’s break it down:

Spinach: The base of the salad, spinach gives a nice earthy flavor and soft texture. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients, so you’re getting a healthy boost with every bite.

Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor, strawberries add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, tangy contrast to the spinach.

Blueberries: These little berries are antioxidants-packed and bring a subtle sweetness that balances the other ingredients perfectly. Plus, they make the salad look even more stunning.

Pecans: These nuts add a lovely crunch and a hint of richness. They pair perfectly with the sweetness of the berries and the creamy feta.

Feta Cheese: The salty, creamy feta is a must in this salad. It adds a delicious tang that brings all the flavors together in the best way possible.

Balsamic Vinaigrette: A simple dressing with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey to tie everything together. It adds just the right amount of acidity and sweetness to make the flavors pop.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to whip up this gorgeous salad? Let’s get started!

Prepare the Spinach

Start by washing and drying your spinach thoroughly. You want it crisp and fresh, so make sure to remove any excess moisture. Toss it into a large salad bowl.

Add the Berries

Next, slice your strawberries and add them to the bowl along with the blueberries. The berries are the stars of this salad, so make sure they’re evenly distributed for that sweet, juicy bite in every forkful.

Toss in the Pecans

Roughly chop the pecans and sprinkle them over the top of the salad. The crunch and flavor they bring are just amazing!

Top with Feta

Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. The creamy, salty feta will create the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and the earthy spinach.

Drizzle the Dressing

Whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette (you can also buy a pre-made one if you’re short on time), and drizzle it over the salad. Toss everything gently to coat. You want each bite to be perfectly dressed, but not drowning in the vinaigrette.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is nicely mixed, your salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit before serving if you prefer it cold.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [4 servings]
Calories per serving: [250 calories]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [10 minutes]
Cook Time: [0 minutes]
Total Time: [10 minutes]

How to Serve Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

This salad is the perfect side to just about anything! Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

• Grilled Chicken: Pair it with some juicy grilled chicken for a complete, light meal that’s packed with flavor.
• Quinoa or Couscous: Serve it alongside a grain like quinoa or couscous to make it even heartier, and you’ll have a full plate of goodness.
• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side would be the perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover dressing.
• Cheese Plate: Serve this salad with a small cheese board, and you’ve got a meal that’s both light and indulgent.
• As a Standalone: This salad is so filling on its own that you can easily enjoy it as a main dish. Add a little more protein (think grilled shrimp or chickpeas), and you’re all set.

Presentation Tip: To really impress your guests, serve the salad on a beautiful platter or individual bowls, and sprinkle a little extra feta on top for that wow factor!

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to elevate this salad:

• Prep Ahead: If you’re making this for a party, you can wash and prep the spinach and berries ahead of time. Just wait until right before serving to add the dressing and toss everything together.
• Vegan Option: Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese if you’re keeping things vegan or dairy-free. It still works wonders in the salad!
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can take this salad to the next level. Add a few sprigs for a pop of fresh flavor.
• Sweeten the Dressing: If you like a sweeter dressing, feel free to add a little more honey or maple syrup to your balsamic vinaigrette.
• Storage Tips: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the spinach and berries in an airtight container and add the dressing right before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prep everything except the dressing and store the components in the fridge. Toss it all together with the dressing just before serving for the best results.

Q2: Can I use a different type of nuts?
A2: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even candied pecans would work beautifully in this salad. Feel free to get creative!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate so the salad doesn’t get soggy.

Q4: Can I freeze this salad?
A4: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. But the good news is, it’s so easy to whip up that you can make it again whenever you’d like!

Q5: Can I add other fruits?
A5: Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even some orange slices to mix things up.

Q6: Can I make the dressing myself?
A6: Of course! A simple homemade vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey, and mustard is easy and delicious.

Q7: How can I make the salad spicier?
A7: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or even a little sliced jalapeño on top for a spicy kick!

Q8: Can I substitute feta cheese with something else?
A8: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a sharp parmesan for a similar salty, creamy flavor.

Q9: What’s a good protein to add to make this a full meal?
A9: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even grilled tofu would be perfect to make this salad into a complete meal.

Q10: Can I make this salad without nuts?
A10: Definitely! If you’re allergic or just not a fan of nuts, you can omit them, or try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a little crunch.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a fresh side or a light meal, this Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is a keeper. It’s vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavors that make every bite feel special. So go ahead, toss together this beauty, and enjoy!

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