15-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!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this salad in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of strawberries, spinach, and blueberries provides a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable for any occasion—from casual lunch to festive gatherings—this salad fits right in.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this strawberry spinach salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like nuts or cheese to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To get started on your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help you prepare your ingredients efficiently and ensure everything comes together nicely.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients easily without mess.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to blend the dressing smoothly for an even flavor throughout the salad.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps you cut the fruits and vegetables quickly while retaining their freshness.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
For the Salad
- 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)
How to Make 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar).
- Whisk together until well blended.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Rinse the baby spinach, strawberries, and blueberries under cold water.
- Slice the strawberries into thin pieces if not already done.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed spinach, sliced strawberries, and whole blueberries.
- Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with dressing.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
- Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls.
- Enjoy your fresh and vibrant 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad!
How to Serve 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
This vibrant and refreshing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy this salad on its own for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of strawberries, spinach, and feta creates a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken for added protein. The smoky flavor of the chicken complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Alongside Grilled Salmon
- Serve with grilled salmon to create a gourmet meal. The rich flavors of the salmon balance well with the fresh ingredients in the salad.
On a Buffet Table
- Include this salad in buffet-style gatherings. Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching addition to any spread, perfect for parties or potlucks.
As a Picnic Delight
- Pack this salad for your next picnic. It’s easy to transport and can be enjoyed cold, making it a refreshing option outdoors.

How to Perfect 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
To make sure your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of pecans. Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.
- Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare your balsamic dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to assemble.
- Add Protein Variations: Consider adding grilled shrimp or chickpeas if you want extra protein without much effort.
Best Side Dishes for 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
Complementing your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad with side dishes can create a more rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add depth and flavor that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf provides a hearty base while remaining gluten-free.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the tangy dressing.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer variety and richness that complements the salad’s flavors.
- Caprese Skewers: These skewers add an Italian twist with their fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes—great for sharing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a salad might seem simple, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is perfect.
- Using stale ingredients: Always use fresh spinach and strawberries for the best flavor. Check for freshness before using.
- Skipping the dressing: A salad without dressing can be bland. Make sure to prepare and add the Balsamic dressing to enhance flavor.
- Overcrowding the salad: Too many ingredients can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recipe for balance and harmony of flavors.
- Not toasting the pecans: Toasting brings out more flavor in nuts. Take a few minutes to toast them for a richer taste.
- Cutting ingredients unevenly: Uniform pieces ensure even distribution in each bite. Slice strawberries and other ingredients consistently for better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 2 days in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
Freezing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture change of fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, store only the dressing separately in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salad on a baking sheet, heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid wilting.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making the 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead but mix them with dressing just before serving for freshness.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer, goat cheese or mozzarella can be great alternatives that also add delicious flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
To make it vegan-friendly, omit feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
How can I customize my 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad?
Feel free to add other fruits like apples or nuts like walnuts. You can also include grilled chicken for added protein.
Final Thoughts
The 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is not only quick and easy but also packed with vibrant flavors and textures. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. Try it today for a delightful addition to any occasion!

15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a quick, refreshing 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad full of flavor! Perfect for any occasion—try this easy recipe today!
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- To prepare the dressing, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Rinse baby spinach, strawberries, and blueberries under cold water. Slice strawberries into thin pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Serve immediately on chilled plates for an extra refreshing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (about 150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg