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
Scale
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.
