15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

If you need an irresistibly fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing dish in a hurry, the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad will absolutely steal the spotlight. This favorite is a glorious balance of ripe strawberries, tender spinach, juicy blueberries, tangy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and a luxuriously sticky-sweet balsamic glaze that comes together in a snap! Whether you’re hosting a picnic, prepping for a casual lunch, or just want a big bowl of feel-good greens, this salad is bright, effortless, and will have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad serves a purpose: crispness, tartness, creaminess, or crunch. These simple but essential ingredients create layers of flavor and make each bite deliciously memorable.

• Baby Spinach (10 oz): Tender and mild, the perfect leafy base that lets every topping shine while feeling light and refreshing.
• Strawberries (3 cups, cleaned and sliced): Bring that juicy, sweet-tart punch and provide the salad’s signature fruity color.
• Blueberries (1 cup): Little bursts of freshness that add juiciness and vibrant blue hues throughout the mix.
• Feta Cheese (1/3 cup, crumbled): Salty, creamy crumbles to balance the fruit’s natural sweetness and add richness.
• Pecans (1 cup, toasted and some chopped): Roasting intensifies their nutty flavor and brings an addictive crunch that ties the salad together.
• Balsamic Vinegar (1 cup): The star ingredient for the luscious glaze, bringing depth and a beautifully tangy note.
• Honey or Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Just the right amount of sweetness to round out the vinaigrette and balance the balsamic’s acidity.

How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. Within about 10 minutes, it will reduce by half and thicken beautifully. Pour the glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

While your glaze cools, grab a large salad bowl and add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta. This is your moment to admire the explosion of fresh colors and textures—don’t stir just yet, we’ll get there!

Step 3: Toast and Chop the Pecans

Toasting is essential for drawing out the most flavor from your pecans. Spread them on a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and slightly browned. Let them cool, then chop half of them, leaving some whole for extra visual appeal and crunch.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Toss together the spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta so everything is gently mixed. Divide the salad into serving bowls or arrange family-style. Top generously with your toasted pecans—both chopped and whole, for texture.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Finish each bowl with a generous drizzle of your cooled balsamic glaze. Let the ribbons of syrupy balsamic hug the fruits and greens. Serve immediately and watch smiles light up around the table!

How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle a few extra crumbles of feta, a handful of fresh mint leaves, or even a little orange or lemon zest on top. These additions amplify the fresh factor and can really set off the colors of your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Side Dishes

This bright salad pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled chicken or salmon to a light baguette or even a bowl of summer soup. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a perfect companion for savory mains or picnic fare.

Creative Ways to Present

Try building the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in mason jars for picnics, or plate it in layers on a big serving platter for a more dramatic effect. Nestle it onto endive leaves for elegant appetizer bites, or serve it family-style in a rustic, wide bowl so guests can help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day as the greens and fruit will start to lose their crispness, but the flavors remain delicious.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well, as the delicate spinach and fresh fruits will lose their texture and become watery after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, toast your pecans and make the balsamic glaze in advance—then throw everything together fresh when it’s time to serve.

Reheating

No need to reheat! The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If your balsamic glaze has thickened too much, just warm it gently for a few seconds in the microwave or let it sit at room temp to become pourable again.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought balsamic glaze for the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Absolutely! While homemade glaze has a special depth of flavor, a good-quality store-bought balsamic reduction will work in a pinch and help you stick to the speedy 15-minute prep time.

What other cheeses can I substitute for feta?

If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese for creaminess or a crumbly blue cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor. Both pair beautifully with the berries and add an interesting twist to the classic 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.

How do I toast pecans without burning them?

Keep the heat medium-low and stir the pecans often in a dry skillet. As soon as they smell nutty and look a little deeper in color—just a few minutes—remove them from the heat to prevent burning and let cool before adding to your salad.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave in the glaze, and use a vegan feta or omit the cheese for a totally plant-based 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad. It’ll still be full of flavor and gorgeous color.

Will the spinach get soggy if the salad sits for too long?

The spinach can start to wilt if left sitting after adding the dressing, so for the best texture, drizzle the glaze and toss right before serving. If prepping in advance, keep everything separate until it’s time to eat for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a game-changer—quick, stunningly colorful, and absolutely bursting with flavor. If you’re short on time but want to serve something truly special, give this recipe a try and let it become a staple at your table. You might find yourself making it on repeat, just like I do!

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