Zesty Berry Spinach Salad Recipe with Feta, Pecans & Glaze

Summer’s bounty bursts with vibrant flavors in this delectable berry spinach salad that promises a symphony of textures.

Crisp baby spinach leaves intermingle with sweet, juicy berries for a delightful culinary experience.

Fresh strawberries and blueberries dance alongside creamy feta cheese, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Crunchy toasted pecans add a rich, nutty dimension that elevates every forkful of this refreshing dish.

The luscious balsamic glaze drizzled on top creates a glossy, complex finish that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of fresh produce and delicate seasonings that will transport you to a sunny afternoon.

Dive into this colorful salad and let your taste buds celebrate the season’s finest ingredients.

Everything To Prep Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Spinach: Crisp, nutrient-packed leafy green that provides a vibrant base with delicate texture and earthy undertones.
• Mixed Berries: Juicy seasonal fruits that add bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.

• Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts that bring a delightful crunch and warm, toasted essence to complement the salad's freshness.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly Mediterranean cheese that adds creamy saltiness and sophisticated flavor complexity.

• Balsamic Glaze: Concentrated, sweet-tart reduction that drizzles elegantly over the salad, creating a glossy, intensely flavored finish.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that helps blend flavors and adds a silky coating to the ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the salad.

Gear Needed For Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing salad ingredients together.
• Skillet: Needed for toasting pecans to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing berries and chopping ingredients precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients.
• Salad Tongs or Serving Spoon: Perfect for serving and mixing the salad gently.

Simple Steps For Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Nutty Toasting

Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Gently move them around until they release a warm, rich aroma and turn slightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.

• Green Canvas Preparation

Carefully rinse spinach leaves under cool water, allowing each leaf to be delicately cleaned. Gently pat dry with soft paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains.

• Berry Selection

Softly wash berries under gentle stream of water. Carefully blot them dry with clean towel, preserving their delicate texture and vibrant colors.

• Elegant Assembly

Spread fresh spinach leaves across a beautiful serving plate. Scatter mixed berries across green landscape. Sprinkle toasted pecans generously over the salad.

• Creamy Accent

Crumble feta cheese across the top, creating delightful white flecks that contrast beautifully with deep green leaves and rich berry tones.

• Glossy Finale

Drizzle balsamic glaze in elegant, sweeping motions across the salad. Allow the dark, sweet liquid to create beautiful artistic patterns that enhance both visual appeal and flavor profile.

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

• Perfect Spinach Prep: Pat spinach leaves completely dry after washing to ensure crisp, not soggy salad texture. Moisture-free leaves help dressing cling better and prevent wilting.
• Pecan Toasting Trick: Watch pecans carefully while toasting to prevent burning. Remove from heat the moment they release a nutty aroma and develop a golden-brown color.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare ingredients separately and store in airtight containers. Combine just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and prevent soggy greens.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace feta cheese with creamy avocado chunks or roasted pine nuts for a vegan-friendly version. These alternatives provide similar richness and protein boost.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy tofu strips to transform this salad into a complete meal. Protein additions make the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.

Ways To Serve Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze

• Fresh Fruit Pairing: Complement the salad with sliced fresh peaches or nectarines to enhance the berry flavors and add another layer of sweetness.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken breast or seared salmon to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course meal.
• Wine Companion: Serve alongside a crisp rosé or light pinot grigio that matches the salad's bright and tangy flavor profile, creating a perfect summer dining experience.
• Bread Sidekick: Offer warm crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze and add a delightful textural contrast to the salad.

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

• Quick Refrigeration: Store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing and greens separate to maintain crisp texture.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep toasted pecans in a sealed container at room temperature and store crumbled feta and washed berries in separate compartments to prevent sogginess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare individual components like toasted pecans, washed greens, and sliced berries ahead of time, assembling just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crunchy.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining salad ingredients into smoothies, blend spinach and berries, or add cooled pecans to morning yogurt for a nutritious breakfast boost.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 3

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

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze combines fresh ingredients for a delightful meal. Balanced flavors and textures create a perfect summer dish you will savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) baby spinach, fresh
• 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) strawberries, fresh, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) blueberries, fresh
• ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) raspberries, fresh
• ⅓ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) pecans, toasted
• ¼ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsps 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. Preparation: Thoroughly rinse spinach leaves and berries, delicately pat dry with kitchen towels to preserve their pristine quality and prevent moisture accumulation.
2. Toasting Technique: Activate medium-heat skillet and carefully toast pecans, continuously stirring to achieve a golden-brown complexion and release their intense nutty essence, avoiding scorching.
3. Salad Assembly: Layer crisp spinach leaves as the foundational green canvas, strategically distributing mixed berries for vibrant color contrast and introducing toasted pecans to enhance textural complexity.
4. Flavor Layering: Generously disperse crumbled feta cheese across the salad, creating pockets of creamy saltiness that harmonize with the fresh produce and nutty undertones.
5. Finishing Touch: Execute an artful drizzle of balsamic glaze in elegant zigzag motions, ensuring each ingredient receives a delicate coating of sweet-tangy reduction that elevates the overall flavor profile.
6. Serving Recommendation: Present the salad immediately to maintain optimal texture and preserve the ingredients’ dynamic sensory qualities, allowing diners to experience the full spectrum of culinary nuances.

Notes

• Preserve Freshness: Thoroughly dry spinach and berries with clean kitchen towels to maintain their crisp texture and prevent wilting.
• Prevent Burning Pecans: Toast nuts carefully over medium heat, stirring constantly to achieve a golden-brown color without scorching.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Distribute berries and pecans evenly to ensure each bite offers a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements.
• Serve Immediately: Present the salad right after preparation to keep spinach leaves crisp and maintain the nuts’ satisfying crunch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg