This 15-minute strawberry spinach salad is a game-changer for busy weeknights and summer gatherings. With sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, it delivers restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen. I’ve been making this recipe for over a decade, and it never fails to impress guests.
Last spring, I was hosting a backyard barbecue and needed something fresh to balance all the hearty grilled foods. I remembered my grandmother’s simple spinach salads from Sunday dinners, but wanted to add my own twist with seasonal berries and a homemade balsamic glaze. The result was this vibrant 15-minute strawberry spinach salad that had everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and that glossy balsamic glaze creates the perfect harmony of flavors. What I love most is how the natural sweetness of the berries pairs beautifully with the peppery spinach, while the pecans add just the right amount of crunch. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
This strawberry spinach salad has become my go-to recipe whenever I need something that looks impressive but comes together effortlessly. Over the years, I’ve served it at countless family gatherings, and it always disappears first from the buffet table.
Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep work required
Only 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store
Perfect balance of textures – sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite
Versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or elegant dinner side
Crowd-pleasing favorite that works for both casual and formal occasions
Fresh and seasonal – ideal for spring and summer entertaining
This colorful salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ingredient Note List
Baby Spinach: I always choose tender baby spinach leaves because they’re milder in flavor and have the perfect delicate texture that doesn’t overpower the sweet berries.
Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red, fragrant berries that give slightly when pressed—they’ll add the perfect natural sweetness to balance the peppery spinach.
Blueberries: These little gems add extra bursts of sweetness and beautiful color contrast, though you can skip them if they’re not in season.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: The salty, creamy texture of feta creates a wonderful contrast with the sweet fruit, and I prefer the block feta that you crumble yourself for better flavor.
Toasted Pecans: In my kitchen, I always toast my own pecans because it brings out their rich, nutty flavor that complements the balsamic glaze perfectly.
Balsamic Vinegar: Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best results—it makes all the difference in creating that glossy, flavorful glaze.
Honey: The natural sweetness helps balance the acidity of the balsamic and creates that perfect sticky consistency we’re looking for.
How to Cook 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1. I usually start by making the balsamic glaze first since it needs time to cool—combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2. My grandmother always said to watch the pot carefully when making glazes, and she was right—simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3. While the glaze cools, I prepare all my fresh ingredients—hull and slice the strawberries, wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, and measure out the feta and pecans.
Step 4. In a large salad bowl, I gently combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and blueberries, being careful not to bruise the delicate leaves.
Step 5. I’ve found that adding the feta cheese next and tossing gently helps distribute it evenly throughout the salad without breaking it up too much.
Step 6. Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top and drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze—this keeps everything fresh and prevents wilting.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and freshness. The washed spinach keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, while the sliced strawberries should be used within 2 days for optimal flavor.
The homemade balsamic glaze is actually my favorite part to make ahead—I store it in a sealed jar in the fridge where it keeps perfectly for up to one week. Just let it come to room temperature before using, or warm it gently if it becomes too thick.
For best results, I recommend assembling this strawberry spinach salad just before serving to prevent the leaves from wilting. If you need to prepare it slightly ahead, add the glaze and nuts at the last minute to keep everything crisp and fresh.
15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
A quick and vibrant salad with baby spinach, strawberries, blueberries, feta, and pecans, finished with a homemade balsamic glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes with only 7 ingredients.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half. Let cool.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, blueberries (if using), and feta. Toss gently.
Sprinkle pecans over the salad and drizzle with cooled balsamic glaze.
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for best results. Make the glaze ahead and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Add glaze and nuts just before serving to keep salad fresh.
What to Serve with 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Grilled Chicken Breast: The lean protein pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors of the salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Barbecue Ribs: In my experience, this fresh salad provides the perfect cooling contrast to rich, smoky barbecue flavors—it’s always a hit at summer cookouts.
Herb-Crusted Salmon: The delicate fish complements the berries and balsamic glaze wonderfully, creating an elegant dinner combination that my family loves.
Quinoa Pilaf: Adding a grain-based side makes this salad more filling and nutritious, perfect for when you want a lighter but complete meal.
Crusty Sourdough Bread: A warm slice of good bread helps soak up that delicious balsamic glaze and makes the meal more substantial.
Grilled Asparagus: The slightly charred vegetables add another layer of flavor and texture that works beautifully with the fresh, crisp salad.
FAQs
How many calories are in this strawberry spinach salad?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying option that fits well into most meal plans.
Is this strawberry spinach salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from the nuts, while being naturally low in processed ingredients and high in fiber.
Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?
I recommend making the glaze up to a week in advance—it actually improves in flavor and stores perfectly in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella work beautifully as alternatives, though I find that feta’s tangy saltiness pairs best with the sweet strawberries.
