If you are craving a salad that bursts with fresh flavors and a delightful mix of textures, look no further than the Berry Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta, and Toasted Pecans Recipe. This salad is an inviting combination of juicy, ripe berries paired with crisp baby spinach, tangy feta, and crunchy toasted pecans, all brought together by a luscious homemade strawberry vinaigrette. It’s a vibrant, colorful dish that feels like a celebration of fresh produce, ideal for light lunches, picnics, or as a stunning side at dinner parties. Each bite dances with sweetness, tang, and a satisfying crunch that you and your guests will absolutely adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this salad is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, fresh, and essential to creating a remarkable balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in making this salad a standout dish, from the leafy greens to the creamy feta and sweet berries.
- Fresh baby spinach: This makes a crisp and tender base that’s full of nutrients and vibrant green color.
- Sliced strawberries: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of bright red that looks beautiful on the plate.
- Blueberries: Tiny bursts of antioxidant-rich flavor complement the strawberries perfectly.
- Raspberries: Bring a subtle tartness that balances the natural sweetness of the other berries.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Offers a mild sharpness that cuts through the fruity notes with a bit of bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast that enhances the berries without overpowering them.
- Chopped toasted pecans: For a satisfying crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the berries.
- Fresh strawberries for dressing: Create a vibrant and fruity vinaigrette that ties the whole salad together.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten the dressing and balance the sweetness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough natural sweetener to round out the tartness in the vinaigrette.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and fluidity to the dressing for easy coating of the salad ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta, and Toasted Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Vinaigrette
Begin by blending half a cup of fresh strawberries with apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. As the mixture blends, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify the dressing, giving it that silky, well-combined texture. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This vibrant dressing will infuse the salad with a lovely sweet-tart balance that complements every ingredient.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an attentive eye to ensure they become fragrant and lightly browned but not burnt. This step unlocks the pecans’ full nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch that enhances the salad’s texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Spinach Base
Place the fresh baby spinach into a large salad bowl, spreading it evenly to create a vibrant green base for the berries and toppings. Be sure the spinach is dry to prevent watering down the dressing later on.
Step 4: Add the Fresh Berries and Onion
Evenly scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and thinly sliced red onions over the spinach bed. The mixture of colors and shapes will look gorgeous and inviting, enticing everyone to dig in.
Step 5: Sprinkle Feta and Pecans
Lightly sprinkle the creamy, crumbled feta cheese and the cooled toasted pecans over the salad. These elements bring pops of flavor and texture, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared strawberry vinaigrette evenly over the salad. This ensures every leaf and berry is lightly coated for maximum flavor without becoming soggy.
Step 7: Toss Gently and Serve
Give the salad a gentle toss to distribute the dressing and toppings evenly while keeping the berries intact. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta, and Toasted Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of refinement, consider garnishing with a few whole fresh berries and a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top just before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also enhances the salad’s flavor and adds a bit of visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad complements a wide range of dishes. It pairs delightfully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a simple quiche to round out a meal. The sweet and tangy notes in the salad play well against savory mains and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve this berry spinach salad in clear glass bowls or wide individual salad plates that showcase its beautiful colors. You could also try layering the ingredients in a tall trifle dish for a stunning visual effect at parties or gatherings. Adding edible flowers garnishing the top is another way to elevate its charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to maintain maximum freshness. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The berries can release moisture, so it’s best to toss everything together just before eating.
Freezing
Since fresh berries and spinach don’t freeze well in a salad, it’s not recommended to freeze the Berry Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta, and Toasted Pecans Recipe. Instead, prepare it fresh or store leftovers refrigerated as mentioned.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and not recommended. Warming it up would wilt the spinach and soften the berries too much, changing the delightful texture you want.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is tender and mild, you can experiment with baby kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens to vary the flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that some greens are more robust and may require adjusting the amount or dressing.
How do I make the dressing if I don’t have a blender?
If you don’t have a blender, finely mash the strawberries with a fork or mortar and pestle until pulpy, then whisk together with the vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil vigorously until emulsified. It takes a bit more elbow grease but works well!
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata are lovely alternatives that offer similar creamy, tangy flavors. Choose the option you enjoy most or what’s available in your pantry.
Are toasted pecans necessary, or can I skip them?
While optional, toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and warmth that elevate the salad. If you prefer, walnuts or almonds can be toasted and used instead, or simply omit nuts for a nut-free version.
How far in advance can I prep this salad?
The best approach is to prepare the dressing and toast the pecans up to a day ahead. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh, crisp, and colorful.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way fresh berries, creamy feta, and toasted pecans combine with baby spinach to create a salad that’s both elegant and wholesome. The Berry Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta, and Toasted Pecans Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again—not just because it tastes incredible but because it’s simple to prepare and beautiful to serve. Give it a try, and I promise your taste buds will thank you!
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Berry Spinach Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta, and Toasted Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Berry Spinach Salad combines fresh baby spinach with a medley of juicy berries, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans, all brought together by a homemade strawberry vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or side dish, this salad balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chopped pecans for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Assemble the salad base: Place the dry baby spinach into a large salad bowl as the foundation of your salad.
- Add the berries and onion: Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and thinly sliced red onion over the spinach.
- Add feta and pecans: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and cooled toasted pecans over the top of the salad ingredients.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared strawberry vinaigrette over the salad right before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients with the dressing, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning, stirring often.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor.
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing to prevent sogginess.
