30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

The 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze is the perfect dish for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines fresh strawberries and blueberries with crunchy pecans and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it ideal for summer cookouts, potlucks, or a healthy lunch. Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

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Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

This salad is a delightful addition to your meal rotation.

• Quick and Easy: You can whip up this salad in just 30 minutes.
• Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy seasonal produce at its best with strawberries and spinach.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet berries, salty feta, and crunchy pecans creates a delicious contrast.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients, this salad is low in calories but high in flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad effortlessly, gather these essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Heat-proof bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for toasting the prosciutto and pecans evenly.
• Small saucepan: Used to make the balsamic glaze; its size helps control cooking time.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all salad ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to prepare your luscious salad.

For Toasting

• 4 oz Prosciutto (toasted)
• ⅔ cup pecans (toasted), some chopped

For Balsamic Dressing

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

For the Spinach Strawberry Salad

• 6 oz baby spinach (fresh)
• 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
• 1 cup blackberries
• ⅓ cup feta cheese (crumbled)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

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How to Make 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

Step 1: Toast the Pecans and Prosciutto

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans and torn prosciutto out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast them for about 5 to 10 minutes until the nuts turn slightly darker and the prosciutto becomes crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to simmer while stirring continuously until it thickens and reduces by about half (this should take around 10 minutes). Once done, remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl to cool. Remember that it will thicken further as it cools.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients except for the toasted pecans and prosciutto. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Divide the salad into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with pieces of toasted prosciutto along with whole and chopped pecans. Finally, drizzle each serving with your homemade balsamic glaze for that extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

Serving your 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful salad.

Individual Bowls

• Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch.
• Top each bowl with extra pecans and feta for added flavor.

Picnic Style

• Pack the salad in mason jars for easy transport.
• Layer ingredients with dressing on the bottom, followed by spinach, strawberries, and toppings on top.

Buffet Style

• Place a large bowl of salad at the center of the table.
• Allow guests to serve themselves and customize their portions.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
• Enhance the meal by complementing the salad’s fresh flavors.

Add Breadsticks

• Offer crispy breadsticks or artisan bread on the side.
• Great for soaking up any leftover balsamic glaze.

How to Perfect 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

Perfecting your 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad ensures every bite is delicious. Here are some tips to enhance your salad-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, seasonal strawberries and spinach for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Toast Pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of pecans; just watch them closely to avoid burning.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness of your balsamic glaze by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing taste.
• Add Crunch: Include additional toppings like sunflower seeds or croutons for extra texture.
• Mix It Up: Experiment with different berries like blueberries or raspberries to keep things interesting.

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Best Side Dishes for 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze.

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
   Marinated chicken skewers add protein while complementing the salad’s flavors perfectly.
2. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob provides a classic summer side that balances well with fresh salads.
3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad adds heartiness and incorporates even more veggies for a nutritious meal.
4. Caprese Salad
   The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella rounds out your meal beautifully alongside this berry salad.
5. Garlic Bread
   Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining dressing from your plate.
6. Roasted Vegetables
   Colorful roasted veggies add depth and nutrition while enhancing your dining experience.
7. Fruit Platter
   A mix of seasonal fruits creates a refreshing contrast and can be served as a light dessert option.
8. Pasta Salad
   A cold pasta salad can be a filling addition that complements the freshness of your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can impact the flavor and presentation.

• Using wilted greens: Always use fresh baby spinach to ensure your salad is crisp and vibrant. Wilted greens can ruin the overall texture.
• Over-toasting nuts: Toasting pecans adds flavor, but overdoing it can lead to bitterness. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
• Skipping the dressing: A salad without dressing can be bland. Always drizzle the balsamic glaze generously for added taste.
• Cutting fruit too far in advance: Slicing strawberries or blueberries ahead of time can cause them to lose their freshness. Prepare fruits just before assembly.
• Ignoring seasoning: If you don’t season your salad properly, it may taste flat. Use salt and pepper to enhance flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the salad dressing separate from the salad to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it will affect the texture of fresh ingredients.
• If you wish to freeze components, consider freezing just the toasted pecans or prosciutto separately.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place salad in an oven-safe dish and warm gently for about 10 minutes. This may slightly wilt your greens.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Use caution not to overheat as it may affect texture.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat for a few minutes in a non-stick pan. Stir gently to avoid overcooking ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for feta cheese in the 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze?

You can use goat cheese or even crumbled blue cheese as alternatives if you’re looking for different flavors.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead but assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

How do I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of the 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze, omit the cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.

What fruits work well in this salad?

Besides strawberries and blueberries, you can also add raspberries or mandarin oranges for extra sweetness and flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! The 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze is naturally gluten-free as long as your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Pecans, Feta cheese, and a Balsamic glaze is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect as a light meal or side dish at gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or fruits!