There is something truly delightful about a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with natural sweetness, crunch, and just the right touch of tang. The Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—combining juicy strawberries and blueberries with nutty pecans, creamy feta, and crisp spinach for a flavor and texture party in every bite. It’s the perfect way to brighten up any meal or enjoy as a stand-alone light lunch that feels as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component adds a layer of taste or texture that makes the salad unforgettable and easy to prepare.
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves: The foundation of the salad, providing a crisp, mild green base full of nutrients.
- 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced: Sweet and juicy, these bring a refreshing burst of flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup blueberries: Slightly tart and beautifully plump, they add a delightful contrast and a lovely blue hue.
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped: Crunchy and nutty, pecans add perfect texture and a buttery richness.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and salty, feta provides depth and balances the sweetness of the berries.
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a subtle zing and sharpness if you choose to include it.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A smooth base for the dressing that enhances the salad’s flavors.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy, slightly sweet kick.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional): Provides gentle sweetness to balance the vinegar’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a mild spice and emulsifies the dressing for perfect coating.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Salad Ingredients
Start by placing the fresh spinach leaves into a large bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, roughly chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. If you enjoy a touch of bite, sprinkle in the thinly sliced red onion. This combination sets the stage for an exciting balance of fresh, fruity, nutty, and creamy textures that form the heart of your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This mixture is your magic elixir, bringing tanginess, sweetness, and a touch of spice to all the fresh ingredients. Feel free to play with the sweetness or acidity to match your palate by adjusting the honey or vinegar quantities.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. Gently toss everything together until all the leaves, fruits, nuts, and cheese are beautifully coated. This step ensures every bite carries the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Serve the salad right away for the freshest taste and texture. For an extra touch, sprinkle more pecans or feta on top—it makes the presentation look even more inviting and delivers an added layer of crunch and creaminess with every forkful.
How to Serve Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra pecans or crumbled feta just before serving not only enhances the texture but also amps up the visual appeal, making your salad look as gorgeous as it tastes. Fresh mint leaves or a light sprinkle of lemon zest can also add a surprising burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes—from grilled chicken or fish to savory quiches and hearty sandwiches. Its bright flavors and crisp textures provide a refreshing contrast that complements richer mains perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual clear glasses layered with berries and feta for a colorful presentation perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, plate it on a large platter with the berries and nuts artfully scattered to impress your guests with its natural beauty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and toss with the dressing just before serving again the next day. The spinach might wilt slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Because of its fresh greens and berries, freezing is not recommended as it will degrade the texture and flavor of the salad components, especially the delicate spinach leaves and juicy fruits.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. Instead, enjoy any leftovers cold with fresh dressing added just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! While spinach is tender and mild, baby kale or mixed spring greens can also work beautifully, though they might alter the salad’s texture and flavor slightly.
Is it okay to omit the red onion?
Yes, the red onion is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor or want to avoid the slight sharpness it adds.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can be used for crunch. Just choose nuts that you enjoy and think will complement the other flavors.
How long does the salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?
Once dressed, it’s best to eat the salad within 1-2 hours to keep the spinach crisp and the fruit fresh. Any longer and it may become soggy.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe is one of those rare dishes that comes together effortlessly yet feels incredibly special every time. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side or a light meal, its vibrant flavors and textures always hit the spot. Give it a try—you might just find your newest favorite go-to salad!
Print
Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant strawberry and blueberry spinach salad featuring crunchy pecans and tangy feta, dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or a side dish that bursts with fresh summer flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and if desired, thinly sliced red onion for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust by adding more honey for sweetness or balsamic vinegar for acidity as preferred.
- Toss the salad: Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the salad just before serving, and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients with the vinaigrette.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness. Optionally, garnish with extra pecans or feta cheese for additional texture and flavor.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the spinach and the juiciness of the berries.
- For a vegan option, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
- Customize the sweetness of the dressing by adjusting the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your taste preferences.
- Red onion is optional but adds a nice sharpness, so feel free to omit if preferred.
