If you’re looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering salad that bursts with flavor and texture, you have to try my Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe. This refreshing combination brings together sweet, tangy berries with creamy feta and crunchy pecans all coated in a luscious balsamic glaze. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of colors and tastes that will brighten up any meal or stand perfectly on its own for a light lunch or snack. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will quickly become a favorite go-to for easy, wholesome eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is how simple yet thoughtfully balanced the ingredients are. Each element brings its own magic—whether it’s the fresh green base, the sweet burst from berries, the salty creaminess of feta, or the nutty crunch from pecans. Together, they create a harmony that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Fresh spinach (4 cups): Provides a tender, leafy green foundation full of nutrients and a soft texture that lets other flavors shine.
- Mixed berries (1 cup): A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds juicy sweetness and beautiful pops of color.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy, creamy contrast that elevates the salad’s flavor profile with a touch of saltiness.
- Pecans, chopped (1/2 cup): Introduce delightful crunch and subtle nutty richness that perfectly complements the softness of the greens and berries.
- Balsamic glaze (1/4 cup): A sweet and tangy syrup-like dressing that glazes the salad with flavor and a beautiful sheen.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a pinch to enhance and balance all the fantastic ingredients without overpowering them.
How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Combine Spinach and Berries
Start by placing the fresh spinach in a large salad bowl. Then gently add your mixed berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—to the bowl. This layering sets the stage for a colorful and flavorful salad base.
Step 2: Add Feta and Pecans
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the spinach and berries. Follow with the chopped pecans to give your salad that necessary crunch and nutty depth, making every bite exciting.
Step 3: Drizzle the Balsamic Glaze
Pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the salad. This glaze is the secret to tying all the flavors together, adding the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Step 4: Toss Gently
Carefully toss the salad ingredients together, mixing just enough to coat everything with the balsamic glaze while keeping the berries and spinach intact and fresh-looking.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Finally, add salt and pepper to your liking. Season gradually and taste as you go to ensure the salad remains bright and balanced.
Step 6: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
This salad is best served fresh so all textures and flavors remain at their peak. Dive in and enjoy the fresh, vibrant experience of this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe.
How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe by adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra pecan halves on top for presentation. A small handful of microgreens or fresh mint leaves can also complement the flavors beautifully while enhancing visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light grilled proteins such as lemon herb chicken or simple seared salmon, making it an ideal side dish for summer dinners or special occasions. For vegetarians, pairing with warm crusty bread and a hummus dip rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or mason jars to showcase the vivid layers of spinach, berries, and feta. You can also arrange the salad on a platter, artistically spreading the berries and pecans on top to create a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the salad from turning soggy, try to store the dressing separately or add the balsamic glaze just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended because the berries and spinach will lose their texture and freshness, making the salad less enjoyable after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is generally not needed or recommended. Enjoy it chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens would work beautifully if you want to vary the texture or flavor profile, though spinach does have that perfect mildness that pairs well with the berries and feta.
What can I substitute for balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use a combination of balsamic vinegar and a little honey or maple syrup, simmered to thicken. Alternatively, a good store-bought honey mustard or raspberry vinaigrette could add a fun twist as well.
Are pecans essential, or can I use another nut?
Pecans bring a unique buttery crunch, but walnuts or sliced almonds can be nice alternatives if you prefer or have allergies. Just toast them lightly for added flavor.
How do I keep the salad fresh if serving later?
To maintain freshness, keep the salad components separate until right before serving—store spinach, cheese, nuts, and berries individually to avoid sogginess.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, but with precautions. Prep the ingredients ahead but combine and dress the salad last minute. This keeps everything crisp and fresh, perfect for busy weekdays.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe that makes it a joy every time I prepare it. Its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and stunning presentation make it perfect for almost any occasion. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and discover how such a simple salad can become an instant favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze 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 Berry Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, mixed berries, crunchy pecans, tangy feta cheese, and a sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful salad that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine spinach and berries: In a large bowl, add the fresh spinach and the mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries). This forms the fresh base of the salad.
- Add cheese and nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the spinach and berries, adding creamy texture and a crunchy element.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the combined salad ingredients to introduce a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Toss salad: Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure the glaze coats the salad evenly without bruising the berries or wilting the spinach.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, balancing the salad’s flavors perfectly.
- Serve immediately: Plate the salad and enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavors right away for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm berries for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast the pecans lightly for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- The salad is best served immediately to keep spinach crisp and berries fresh.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Balsamic glaze can be substituted with a balsamic vinaigrette if preferred.
