Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries and Feta Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant strawberry spinach salad is the perfect 10-minute side dish for any spring or summer gathering. Packed with fresh blueberries, creamy feta, and a light vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing and healthy complement to your meal. For more fruity inspiration, try this Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe or this Tropical Strawberry Mango Smoothie Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant salad is a feast for the senses, combining sweet berries, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and a tangy-sweet glaze for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• 10 oz baby spinach
• 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and some chopped (walnuts or almonds work too)
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (goat cheese or gorgonzola are great substitutes)
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey (maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic glaze comes together in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than similar assembled salads that require cooking components like candied nuts or a reduced glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and thoroughly dry 8 ounces of fresh baby spinach. Hull and slice 1 pint of fresh strawberries. Rinse 1 cup of fresh blueberries and pat them dry. Toast ½ cup of pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Crumble 4 ounces of feta cheese.

Step 2 — Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

For a quick homemade glaze, simmer ½ cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until it reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon. Let it cool completely; it will thicken as it cools. A store-bought glaze works perfectly for this Easter salad, too.

Step 3 — Assemble the Salad Base

Place the dried spinach in a large, wide salad bowl. This provides plenty of room to toss the ingredients gently without bruising the delicate leaves. For best presentation, you can arrange the spinach on a large serving platter instead.

Step 4 — Add the Fruits and Nuts

Scatter the sliced strawberries and blueberries evenly over the spinach. Sprinkle the toasted, cooled pecans on top. The contrast of sweet berries, crunchy nuts, and tender greens creates the perfect texture and flavor foundation.

Step 5 — Incorporate the Cheese and Dressing

Evenly distribute the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Just before serving, drizzle with your preferred vinaigrette or a simple mix of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper. Toss very gently to combine, ensuring the cheese and nuts are distributed.

Step 6 — Final Presentation

Transfer the tossed salad to a clean serving bowl or platter. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern over the top for a beautiful, restaurant-quality finish. Serve immediately to prevent the spinach from wilting.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~8 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~21 g
Fiber	~5 g
Sodium	~280 mg

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic glaze is also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants from the fresh berries and spinach.

Note: Nutritional estimates are based on typical ingredients and serving size; values may vary with specific brands or preparation adjustments.

Recipe Variations & Swaps

This versatile Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic glaze is perfect for Easter and easy to customize for different diets and tastes. Here are some practical ingredient swaps.

• Protein Swap (Chicken or Salmon) — Add grilled chicken breast or flaked salmon for a heartier, protein-packed main dish. The savory notes pair beautifully with the sweet berries.
• Lower-Carb Nut Swap — Replace pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds for a different texture and a boost of healthy fats while keeping carbs in check.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative — Omit the feta or use a dairy-free feta-style cheese or creamy avocado slices to maintain richness without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — This salad is naturally gluten-free. Always check your balsamic glaze label to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
• Low-Sodium Version — Use unsalted pecans and skip or reduce the feta cheese. Opt for a homemade balsamic reduction to control salt content.
• Vegan Adaptation — Combine the dairy-free cheese swap with a maple-sweetened balsamic glaze and use agave or maple syrup instead of honey in any dressing.
• Nut-Free Option — Substitute pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch that’s safe for allergies.
• Berry Variations — Swap blueberries for blackberries or raspberries, or use dried cranberries (unsweetened) for a chewier, tart contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• For a complete spring lunch, pair this Strawberry Spinach Salad with a quiche or a savory ham and cheese tart.
• Make it the star of your Easter buffet by serving it alongside honey-glazed ham, deviled eggs, and roasted asparagus.
• Transform it into a heartier main course by adding grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, or sliced herb-crusted pork tenderloin.
• Serve it as a refreshing starter before a rich main dish like rack of lamb or lasagna.
• For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad on a large white platter or in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.
• Offer the balsamic glaze and extra nuts and cheese on the side so guests can customize their portions.
• This salad is also perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, baby showers, or any warm-weather potluck or picnic.

The sweet berries, tangy cheese, and rich glaze make this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic glaze a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for your Easter table and beyond.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy, pre-washed spinach that wilts instantly. Fix: Thoroughly dry fresh spinach leaves with a salad spinner and paper towels to ensure the dressing clings properly.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad too early, creating a wilted, soggy mess. Fix: Toss the spinach, berries, pecans, and feta with the dressing just moments before serving to maintain perfect texture.
• Mistake: Chopping strawberries too far in advance, causing them to bleed juice. Fix: Slice your strawberries right before assembling the salad to keep their color vibrant and prevent a watery bowl.
• Mistake: Using a thin, store-bought balsamic glaze that lacks depth. Fix: Reduce a quality balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until syrupy for a rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Mistake: Adding raw, bland pecans that get lost in the mix. Fix: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry pan to unlock their nutty aroma and add a crucial crunchy contrast.
• Mistake: Crumbling feta cheese too finely, causing it to disappear. Fix: Use larger, chunkier crumbles of high-quality feta so its creamy, salty tang is a distinct feature in every bite.
• Mistake: Forgetting to balance the sweet berries with enough acidity. Fix: Ensure your vinaigrette has a sharp 1:3 acid-to-oil ratio, using lemon juice or tangy balsamic vinegar to cut through the sweetness.
• Mistake: Overcomplicating the dressing with too many competing flavors. Fix: Keep it simple—a classic blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
• Mistake: Serving the salad straight from the fridge, muting the flavors. Fix: Let ingredients like cheese and berries sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before assembling for the most vibrant taste.
• Mistake: Neglecting to season each component layer. Fix: Lightly season the spinach and strawberries with a pinch of flaky salt as you build the salad to enhance their natural flavors.

Storing Tips

• Refrigerating: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the balsamic glaze separate in a sealed jar or bottle. The spinach will wilt and the berries soften over time, so this Strawberry Spinach Salad is best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this fresh salad. The high water content in the strawberries, blueberries, and spinach will cause them to become mushy and watery upon thawing, ruining the texture.
• Reheating: This salad is served cold and should not be reheated. For food safety, keep all components refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) until ready to assemble and serve, especially the dairy-based feta cheese.

To prepare this salad ahead for your Easter gathering, wash and thoroughly dry the spinach, toast the pecans, and prepare the balsamic glaze. Store each component separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic glaze is the perfect fresh and festive dish for your Easter table. If you love this combination, you might also enjoy our Blueberry Mango Spinach Salad with Walnuts and Feta Recipe. We hope you give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I make this Strawberry Spinach Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but assemble just before serving. Keep the dressing separate and store the washed and dried spinach, chopped pecans, crumbled feta, and sliced strawberries in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic glaze stays freshest when assembled right before your Easter meal.

What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?

You can easily make a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Alternatively, a good quality bottled balsamic vinaigrette works well. The glaze adds a sweet-tart flavor that perfectly complements the strawberries and feta in this salad.

Is this salad suitable for a large Easter gathering?

Yes, this salad scales beautifully for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients based on your guest count. It makes a vibrant, colorful, and refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with traditional Easter mains. The combination of sweet fruit, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta is always a crowd-pleaser.