This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fresh, colorful combination of tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans. Finished with a homemade balsamic glaze, it’s an easy salad that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re planning a spring lunch, summer dinner, Easter brunch, picnic, or family gathering, this Strawberry Spinach Salad makes a beautiful side dish with very little hands-on preparation. The salad itself takes just minutes to assemble, while the balsamic glaze can be prepared in advance.
The combination of strawberries and balsamic vinegar is especially delicious. The berries bring natural sweetness, the feta adds a salty contrast, and the toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch.
For more fresh seasonal dishes, explore our 25 BBQ Salads for Summer collection, or try our Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad for another colorful vegetable side.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
This easy spinach and strawberry salad combines a short ingredient list with contrasting textures and fresh flavor.
- Quick preparation: The fresh salad takes only a few minutes to assemble.
- Colorful ingredients: Strawberries and blueberries make the dish especially appealing.
- Sweet and savory: Fresh berries contrast with salty feta and tangy balsamic glaze.
- Crunchy texture: Toasted pecans add a satisfying bite.
- Flexible dressing: You can use homemade balsamic glaze or a different vinaigrette.
- Great for entertaining: A convenient choice for picnics, potlucks, spring meals, and holiday gatherings.
- Easy to customize: Swap greens, nuts, berries, or cheese.
- Make-ahead components: Prepare the glaze and toast the pecans before serving.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients
The original recipe combines five salad ingredients with a simple homemade balsamic dressing.
Fresh Baby Spinach
Use 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach.
Baby spinach has tender leaves and a mild flavor that pairs well with sweet fruit and balsamic dressing.
Wash the spinach if necessary and dry it thoroughly before assembling the salad. Excess water can dilute the glaze.
Fresh Strawberries
Use 3 cups of strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced.
Choose ripe strawberries with good flavor. Slice them shortly before making the salad to help preserve their freshness.
Fresh Blueberries
Add 1 cup of blueberries.
Blueberries add another layer of fruit flavor and create a beautiful contrast with the red strawberries and green spinach.
Feta Cheese
Use 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese.
Feta brings a salty, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the berries and balsamic glaze.
Toasted Pecans
Use 1 cup toasted pecans, leaving some whole and chopping the rest.
Toasting enhances their flavor and makes them crunchy.
Keep the pecans separate until serving if preparing the salad ahead of time.
Homemade Balsamic Glaze for Strawberry Spinach Salad
The original recipe uses a simple two-ingredient balsamic glaze rather than a traditional oil-based vinaigrette.
Balsamic Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
How to Make the Balsamic Glaze
- Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
- Add the honey or brown sugar and stir.
- Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by approximately half, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl.
- Allow the glaze to cool. It will thicken further as it cools.
Texture tip: The glaze should be thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon without becoming excessively thick.
If you don’t want to make the glaze from scratch, prepared store-bought balsamic glaze is a convenient alternative.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Once the balsamic glaze is ready, assembling the salad is straightforward.
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Place the clean, dry baby spinach in a large salad bowl.
Remove any damaged leaves before adding the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Strawberries
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries.
Add them to the spinach.
Step 3: Add Blueberries
Rinse and dry the blueberries, then add them to the bowl.
Step 4: Add Feta Cheese
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the spinach and berries.
Toss gently to distribute the ingredients.
Step 5: Divide into Serving Bowls
Divide the spinach, berries, and feta mixture among individual salad bowls.
Step 6: Add Toasted Pecans
Scatter whole and chopped toasted pecans over each serving.
Adding the nuts at the end helps preserve their crunch.
Step 7: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over each salad.
Serve immediately for the best balance of crisp greens, juicy fruit, and crunchy pecans.
Other Salad Dressing Options
The homemade balsamic glaze is the original dressing for this recipe, but other vinaigrettes can work well with strawberries and spinach.
Lemon Vinaigrette
A lemon vinaigrette provides bright citrus flavor and a lighter alternative to the sweet balsamic glaze.
This variation works particularly well if you want a refreshing spring salad.
Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
Apple cider vinegar dressing adds tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and blueberries.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
A balsamic vinaigrette is another natural pairing for strawberries.
Unlike the thick balsamic glaze, a vinaigrette typically has a more fluid consistency and includes oil.
Balsamic Vinegar with Olive Oil and Dijon Mustard
For a homemade alternative, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a small amount of Dijon mustard. This creates a different dressing from the original two-ingredient glaze.
Store-Bought Dressing
A prepared vinaigrette is convenient if you want to save additional preparation time.
Start with a small amount and add more as needed so the spinach isn’t overloaded with dressing.
Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations and Substitutions
Different Salad Greens
Replace some or all of the baby spinach with mixed greens, arugula, or romaine.
Different Berries
Raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of berries can replace some of the strawberries or blueberries.
Different Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can replace the pecans.
For a nut-free variation, omit the pecans and use a suitable crunchy topping if desired.
Different Cheese
Goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan can be used instead of feta.
Add Grilled Chicken
Fully cooked grilled chicken is an optional addition if you want to serve this salad as a more substantial meal.
For another chicken-based salad idea, see our Chicken Club Pasta Salad.
Add Shrimp
Cooked shrimp adds another protein option. For a separate shrimp salad recipe, explore our Mexican Shrimp Salad.
Add Cooked Quinoa
For a heartier variation, mix in cooled cooked quinoa. This changes the original recipe but can make the salad more suitable for lunch.
Add Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are another optional way to add crunch and make the salad more substantial.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
Use Dry Spinach
After washing the spinach, dry the leaves thoroughly. Excess moisture can dilute the balsamic glaze.
Choose Ripe Strawberries
Ripe, flavorful strawberries provide the best contrast with the salty feta and tangy balsamic dressing.
Toast the Pecans
Toasted pecans provide a richer nutty flavor and more pronounced crunch than untoasted pecans.
Cool the Balsamic Glaze
Do not pour hot glaze directly over the spinach. Allow it to cool so the leaves remain fresh.
Add Nuts and Dressing Last
Wait until shortly before serving to add the pecans and balsamic glaze.
Use a Light Drizzle
The balsamic glaze is concentrated, so begin with a small amount and add more according to taste.
For the freshest and safest salad, rinse strawberries, blueberries, and spinach under clean running water before preparation, unless the packaged greens are labeled pre-washed and ready-to-eat. Gently dry the produce before assembling the salad. For additional guidance, follow the FDA’s recommendations for safely preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad
This fresh strawberry spinach salad is a versatile side dish for spring and early summer meals.
With Grilled Chicken
Serve alongside grilled chicken for a balanced combination of savory protein and sweet berries.
With Egg Salad
Egg salad pairs well with the fresh fruit and crisp spinach for a simple lunch.
With Crustless Quiche
A slice of crustless quiche and a serving of strawberry spinach salad make a convenient brunch combination.
With Asparagus Risotto
The salad’s tangy glaze and fresh berries contrast with the creamy texture of asparagus risotto.
With Lemon Pasta
Lemon pasta makes another refreshing option for a spring lunch or dinner.
With Pasta Primavera
Pair with pasta primavera for a colorful vegetable-focused meal.
For Easter Brunch
The strawberries, blueberries, and spinach make this salad a beautiful addition to an Easter brunch or spring gathering.
For Summer Barbecues
This salad also works well as a fresh side dish for grilled meats and summer cookouts.
For another chilled dish to serve at a gathering, try our Really Good Pasta Salad.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Ahead of Time
Preparing the ingredients separately makes it easy to assemble the salad shortly before serving.
Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
Make the balsamic glaze in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
Wash and Dry the Spinach
Wash the spinach if needed and dry thoroughly before refrigeration.
Toast the Pecans
Toast the pecans ahead of time and allow them to cool completely before storing.
Prepare the Berries
Wash and dry the berries in advance. For the freshest appearance, slice the strawberries close to serving time.
Assemble Before Serving
Combine the spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and feta, then top with the toasted pecans and cooled balsamic glaze.
How to Store Strawberry Spinach Salad
Storing Undressed Salad
Store the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, keep the berries, pecans, and dressing separate until serving.
Storing Leftover Salad
The original recipe recommends refrigerating leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
The spinach may wilt and the berries may release juice during storage, especially if the dressing has already been added.
Storing the Balsamic Glaze
Store cooled balsamic glaze in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator.
Stir before using if its consistency changes during refrigeration.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Freezing the assembled salad is not recommended. Fresh spinach and berries lose their crisp, fresh texture after thawing.
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
A fresh spinach salad with strawberries, blueberries, feta cheese, toasted pecans, and homemade balsamic glaze.
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
For the Strawberry Spinach Salad
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup toasted pecans, some whole and some chopped
Instructions
Balsamic Dressing
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until the mixture thickens and reduces by approximately half, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the glaze to a heatproof bowl to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without becoming overly thick.
Salad Assembly
- In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Divide the salad among individual serving bowls.
- Top each serving with whole and chopped toasted pecans.
- Drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze immediately before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Spinach: Use clean, thoroughly dried baby spinach.
- Strawberries: Fresh ripe strawberries provide the best flavor.
- Blueberries: Use fresh berries and dry after rinsing.
- Feta: Crumbled feta provides a salty contrast to the sweet fruit.
- Pecans: Toast before serving and keep separate during storage.
- Glaze: Simmer until reduced by approximately half and cool before using.
- Alternative dressing: Lemon vinaigrette, apple cider vinegar dressing, or balsamic vinaigrette can replace the original glaze.
- Make ahead: Prepare the glaze and individual salad components in advance.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best quality.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition values vary depending on serving size and how much balsamic glaze is used. Refer to the recipe card for calculated nutritional information, if available.
More Fresh Salad Recipes to Try
If you enjoy fruit-filled salads and fresh side dishes, here are more recipes from Recipenly.
California Cobb Pasta Salad
Try our California Cobb Pasta Salad for a satisfying meal featuring pasta and fresh ingredients.
Southwest Pasta Salad
Our Southwest Pasta Salad brings bold flavors to an easy side dish.
Jerk Shrimp Cobb Salad
For a protein-rich salad with flavorful seasoning, explore our Jerk Shrimp Cobb Salad.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is another vegetable-focused side dish with satisfying texture.
Easy Pasta Salad
For a simple make-ahead option, try our Easy Pasta Salad.
Thanksgiving Salad
For another colorful seasonal salad, see our Thanksgiving Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the balsamic glaze, wash and dry the spinach, and toast the pecans ahead of time. Assemble the salad and add the glaze shortly before serving for the best texture.
What dressing goes with strawberry spinach salad?
Balsamic glaze is the original dressing used in this recipe. Lemon vinaigrette, apple cider vinegar dressing, and balsamic vinaigrette are also suitable alternatives.
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes. Prepared balsamic glaze is a convenient alternative to simmering balsamic vinegar and honey at home.
What cheese goes best with strawberry spinach salad?
Feta is used in the original recipe because its salty, tangy flavor complements sweet strawberries. Goat cheese and blue cheese are optional substitutes.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can replace the pecans. Omit nuts entirely if necessary for dietary preferences or allergies.
Can I make strawberry spinach salad without feta cheese?
Yes. Omit the feta for a dairy-free version of the salad itself. Check the ingredients of any replacement dressing to ensure it also meets your needs.
Can I add protein to strawberry spinach salad?
Yes. Fully cooked chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas can make the salad more substantial.
How long does strawberry spinach salad last?
The original recipe recommends storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. A dressed salad may lose its texture sooner.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for this salad. Frozen strawberries typically become softer and release liquid when thawed, which can make the salad watery.
Is strawberry spinach salad good for Easter brunch?
Yes. Its fresh berries, green spinach, and colorful presentation make it a suitable side dish for Easter brunch and other spring gatherings.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar for the balsamic glaze?
Yes. The original recipe allows either 1/4 cup honey or 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1 cup balsamic vinegar.
How do I know when the balsamic glaze is ready?
The mixture should reduce by approximately half and become thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remember that it thickens further as it cools.
Can I turn this salad into a complete meal?
Yes. Add cooked chicken, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas for a heartier dish. These are optional additions rather than ingredients in the original recipe.
Print15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a healthy, vibrant, and easy-to-make recipe that comes together in 15 minutes! Featuring Feta cheese, pecans, and a simple Balsamic dressing, this salad will make a perfect side dish for any weeknight dinner. It is also a crowd-pleaser for many holiday occasions, picnics, potlucks, and other friends and family gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6, 6 people 1x
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 10 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, some of them chopped)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half (about 10 or so minutes).
- Remove from heat and pour the balsamic glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool off. The glaze will get thicker as it cools off.
- Consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon but should not be overly thick.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the pecans. Toss to combine.
- Divide the salad into individual serving bowls.
- Top each serving bowl with whole and chopped toasted pecans.
- Drizzle the top of the salad in each bowl with balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 144 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
