Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze

If you’re looking for a salad that hits every note sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy, and refreshing this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the one. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with fresh fruit, layered with toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and finished with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze that ties everything together.

Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or healthy weeknight dinners, this salad is proof that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

• Bursting with fresh flavor: Sweet strawberries and blueberries meet tangy feta and nutty pecans.
• Beautifully balanced: Each bite gives you creaminess, crunch, fruitiness, and zing from the balsamic glaze.
• Versatile dressing options: Make your own glaze, use aged balsamic, or whip up a quick vinaigrette.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in 10–15 minutes no cooking required unless you toast the pecans or reduce the glaze.
• Perfect as a side or main: Add grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this refreshing and colorful salad:

🥗 Salad Base

• Fresh baby spinach – Washed and dried. Use tender leaves for best texture.
• Strawberries – Fresh and sliced.
• Blueberries – Fresh, plump, and sweet.
• Pecans – Toasted lightly for maximum flavor. You can chop them or leave them whole.
• Feta cheese – Crumbled, to add creaminess and tang.

🍯 Homemade Balsamic Glaze

Want to make your own glaze? You’ll need:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup honey (or substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor)

Simply simmer these together until thick and syrupy (details below).

Optional Dressing Alternatives

Not into reducing vinegar? No problem! Here are some excellent substitutes:

1. Aged balsamic vinegar – Use as-is for a naturally sweet, syrupy drizzle.
2. Store-bought balsamic glaze – Convenient and tasty.
3. Balsamic vinaigrette – A classic bottled option that works beautifully.
4. DIY vinaigrette – Made with:
   • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
   • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
   • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Shake it up in a jar and drizzle over your salad it’s fresh, zippy, and just sweet enough.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 4–5 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly browned. Stir often so they don’t burn. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar with ¼ cup honey or brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce for 10–15 minutes until thick and syrupy. Let cool before using.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl or platter, layer your ingredients:

• A bed of baby spinach
• Generous handfuls of sliced strawberries
• A handful of blueberries
• A scattering of toasted pecans
• A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese

Step 4: Drizzle with Dressing

Drizzle the balsamic glaze (or your chosen alternative) generously over the top just before serving. Add a fresh crack of black pepper if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries. If they’re a bit tart, add a pinch of sugar when slicing.
• Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or even quinoa for extra protein.
• Toss lightly before serving. Especially if you’re using vinaigrette, a gentle toss helps coat everything evenly.
• Prep ahead. Slice the fruit, toast the pecans, and make the glaze in advance. Store separately and assemble just before serving.
• Balance is key. If your glaze is too tangy, stir in a bit more honey. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Delicious Variations

Want to play with this salad? Here are some ideas:

• Add avocado slices for creamy richness.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a softer, milder flavor.
• Add thinly sliced red onions or shallots for a little bite.
• Try raspberries or blackberries if strawberries aren’t in season.

Nutrition Benefits

This Strawberry Spinach Salad doesn’t just taste amazing it’s also full of health perks:

• Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.
• Strawberries and blueberries provide vitamin C and fiber.
• Pecans offer healthy fats and protein.
• Feta adds calcium and flavor without going overboard on calories.
• Balsamic vinegar helps regulate blood sugar and adds flavor with minimal fat.

FAQs About Strawberry Spinach Salad

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all the components in advance and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed berries can work in a pinch just drain them well first.

Is it okay to skip the glaze and use plain balsamic?
Yes, aged balsamic vinegar is sweet and thick enough to drizzle without reducing. It’s a great shortcut!

Can I store leftovers?
This salad is best eaten fresh. If dressed, it may wilt in the fridge. For best results, store undressed and add glaze when ready to eat.

Serving Ideas

This salad shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken or pork
• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Soup and salad combos
• Picnic spreads or summer BBQs
• Holiday brunch tables

Final Thoughts from Chef Linda

Fresh, vibrant, and easy to love, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a show-stopping side, or a feel-good way to eat more greens, this dish is as beautiful as it is flavorful.

And don’t forget it’s just as easy to adapt as it is to devour. Keep it classic or make it your own. Either way, it’s always a good idea.