Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad With Pecans And Feta Recipe

Quick Summer Joy: Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Vibrant summer memories dance through this strawberry & blueberry spinach salad with pecans and feta.

Sweet berries contrast beautifully against delicate green leaves.

Crisp spinach creates a perfect canvas for juicy flavor combinations.

Crunchy pecans add unexpected texture and nutty depth.

Crumbled feta brings tangy sophistication to every delightful bite.

Refreshing ingredients blend into a light, elegant dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

Spinach Salad With Berries and Feta That’s Fresh, Sweet, and Savory

  • Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy people who want a nutritious meal in under 15 minutes, this salad requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor.
  • Nutrient Powerhouse: Packed with antioxidant-rich berries, spinach, and protein-loaded feta, the recipe offers a balanced and healthy dining experience that supports overall wellness.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch, this salad adapts easily to different dietary preferences and impresses guests with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily swap ingredients like nuts or cheese to match personal taste or dietary needs, making it a flexible recipe that suits various culinary preferences.

Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta: Ingredient List

Salad Base:
  • Spinach: Fresh, crisp green leaves packed with nutrients and a mild flavor.
  • Strawberries, Blueberries: Juicy, sweet berries that add color and refreshing taste to the salad.
Cheese and Nuts:
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that provides a creamy contrast to the salad.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that can be candied or toasted for added texture and richness.
Dressing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy base for the dressing with a subtle flavor.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy depth to the dressing.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that balances the vinegar's acidity.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a slight kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Salad Instructions for Strawberry-Blueberry Spinach Mix

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Grab a small bowl or mason jar.

Pour in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper.

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Let the dressing sit and allow the flavors to mingle while you prepare the salad.

Step 2: Prepare Salad Components

Grab a large salad bowl.

Add fresh spinach leaves as the base.

Slice ripe strawberries into delicate pieces.

Scatter blueberries across the greens.

Crumble feta cheese over the top.

Sprinkle toasted or candied pecans for a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Combine and Dress

Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.

Use a gentle tossing motion to ensure every leaf gets coated with the tangy, sweet dressing.

Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed for a perfect bite every time.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to serving plates.

Admire the beautiful color combination of deep green spinach, bright red strawberries, and purple blueberries.

Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and the freshness of the berries.

Salad Layering Secrets for Strawberry-Blueberry Spinach

  • Adjust honey or maple syrup quantity to match your preferred sweetness level, making the vinaigrette perfectly balanced for your taste.
  • Add berries just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy and maintain their crisp, juicy texture throughout the salad.
  • Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor, watching closely to prevent burning and preserve their delicate crunch.
  • Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to keep spinach leaves crisp and prevent wilting.
  • Substitute feta with plant-based cheese or omit entirely for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the salad's vibrant flavor profile.

Store Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
  • Preserve crisp spinach and fresh berries by storing dressing, pecans, and salad ingredients separately in different containers.
  • When ready to enjoy, quickly remix salad ingredients and drizzle chilled dressing just before eating to maintain maximum texture and flavor.
  • Discard salad after 2 days as berries, spinach, and feta do not freeze well and will lose quality and taste.

Pairing Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad

  • Pair Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the tangy feta and sweet berry flavors, cutting through the richness of pecans while enhancing the salad's fresh profile.
  • Serve Sparkling Water with Mint: Refreshing, herbal-infused sparkling water adds a clean, crisp element that highlights the salad's bright berry and spinach notes without overwhelming delicate ingredients.
  • Match Goat Cheese Crostini: Crispy toasted bread topped with creamy goat cheese provides a delightful textural contrast, echoing the feta's tang and adding a satisfying crunch alongside the salad.
  • Select Grilled Lemon Chicken: Lean, citrus-marinated chicken breast creates a protein-rich companion that balances the salad's sweetness and adds a savory dimension to the overall meal experience.

Berry Spinach Salad with Nut and Cheese Edits

  • Vegan Berry Spinach Delight: Replace feta with cashew cheese and use agave nectar instead of honey for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Pecan Power: Swap candied pecans with raw pecans to ensure gluten-free preparation and add extra crunch.
  • Protein-Packed Salad Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or tofu strips to transform the salad into a more substantial meal with added protein.
  • Low-Carb Berry Blend: Substitute honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce fruit quantity for a lower-carbohydrate option.

FAQs

  • What are the health benefits of this salad?

This salad is packed with nutrients. Spinach provides iron and vitamins, strawberries and blueberries offer antioxidants, pecans add healthy fats, and feta cheese contributes calcium and protein.

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately. Keep them refrigerated and combine just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and prevent soggy greens.

  • Is this salad good for weight management?

Yes, it’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal. The combination of leafy greens, berries, and nuts provides fiber and protein, which can help control hunger and support weight loss goals.

  • How can I customize the salad for dietary needs?

For a vegan version, replace feta with plant-based cheese alternative. For gluten-free, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Those with nut allergies can omit pecans or substitute with seeds.

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Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad With Pecans And Feta Recipe

Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad With Pecans And Feta Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent strawberry & blueberry spinach salad dances with tangy feta and crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of fresh summer flavors. Light, nutritious, and beautifully balanced, you’ll savor each colorful bite of this delightful seasonal ensemble.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup (150 grams) sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) candied or toasted pecans
  • 1/3 cup (50 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasoning:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, glossy dressing.
  2. Create a colorful landscape in a spacious salad bowl by layering fresh spinach leaves as the verdant foundation, then artfully arranging sliced crimson strawberries and deep blue blueberries across the green canvas.
  3. Enhance the visual and flavor profile by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese, allowing its creamy white texture to contrast against the bright fruit and leafy greens.
  4. Elevate the salad’s complexity by scattering candied or toasted pecans, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the composition.
  5. Moments before serving, delicately cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure each ingredient receives a light, even coating without bruising the delicate components.

Notes

  • Swap maple syrup for honey to create a vegan version of this vibrant salad, ensuring everyone can enjoy its delightful flavors.
  • Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty aroma and add a deeper, more complex taste to the dish.
  • Opt for organic spinach and berries when possible to maximize nutritional benefits and support sustainable farming practices.
  • Prepare dressing separately and store in the refrigerator up to two days in advance to save time during meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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