Berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze is a delightful dish that brings summer to your table. Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh strawberries and blackberries combined with the crunch of pecans and the creaminess of feta cheese, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch. Its healthful ingredients make it not only delicious but also nutritious. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or a main attraction at your next event!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Ingredients You Need to Toast in the Oven
- Balsamic Dressing
- Spinach Strawberry Salad
- How to Make Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Prosciutto
- Step 2: Make the Balsamic Glaze
- Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- As a Refreshing Side Dish
- As a Light Lunch
- For Special Occasions
- With Added Proteins
- How to Perfect Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Best Side Dishes for Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Reheating Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits in my Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze?
- How should I serve Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze?
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for feta cheese?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet berries, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion that delights the taste buds.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking, this salad can be made quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or enjoy it as a healthy lunch on its own. It fits any occasion!
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh produce, this salad promotes a healthy lifestyle.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dressings to make this salad uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for toasting nuts and prosciutto, resulting in perfect texture.
- Small saucepan: Essential for making the balsamic glaze; ensures even heating for thickening.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all salad ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients You Need to Toast in the Oven
- 4 oz Prosciutto (toasted)
- ⅔ cup pecans toasted, some of them chopped
Balsamic Dressing
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
Spinach Strawberry Salad
- 6 oz baby spinach fresh
- 3 cups strawberries cleaned and hulled, sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled
How to Make Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
Step 1: Toast the Nuts and Prosciutto
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans and torn prosciutto in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast for about 5 to 10 minutes until the nuts are slightly darker and the prosciutto becomes crispy.
Step 2: Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens and reduces by half (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl to cool. The glaze will thicken further as it cools.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients except for the pecans and prosciutto. Toss gently to mix everything together. Divide into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with toasted prosciutto pieces and whole or chopped toasted pecans. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze!
How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
Serving berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze is a delightful way to enjoy a burst of fresh summer flavors. This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes and can be tailored to suit any occasion.
As a Refreshing Side Dish
- Perfect for barbecues – This salad complements grilled meats beautifully, adding a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Ideal for picnics – Pack it in a portable container for an easy-to-serve option that travels well.
As a Light Lunch
- Quick meal option – Pair it with whole grain bread or wraps for a satisfying lunch that’s both healthy and flavorful.
- Add protein – Include grilled chicken or chickpeas for added nutrition and heartiness.
For Special Occasions
- Elegant presentation – Serve in small glass bowls as an appetizer at dinner parties for a sophisticated touch.
- Make it festive – Top with edible flowers or additional seasonal fruits for special gatherings.
With Added Proteins
- Top with salmon – Grilled or smoked salmon enhances the flavor profile while providing healthy fats.
- Incorporate quinoa – Tossing in some cooked quinoa boosts the fiber content and makes the dish more filling.
How to Perfect Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
To achieve the best berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish.
- Choose fresh ingredients – Use only the freshest berries and greens to ensure vibrant taste and color.
- Toast pecans properly – Toasting enhances their flavor; be careful not to burn them for the best results.
- Make dressing ahead – Prepare the balsamic glaze in advance so it has time to cool and thicken.
- Serve chilled – Refrigerate the salad before serving for a refreshing experience on warm days.
- Add layers of texture – Mix in crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch alongside the nuts.
Best Side Dishes for Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
Pairing side dishes with your berry spinach salad enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers – Tender chicken pieces seasoned and grilled, perfect alongside the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa dish with herbs that complements the flavors in your salad beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized create an inviting side dish.
- Garlic Bread – Crisp, buttery garlic bread provides a comforting contrast to your light salad.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice or meat add heartiness to your meal while being colorful on the plate.
- Fruit Platter – An assortment of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and variety that pairs well with your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can detract from its deliciousness.
- Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for this salad. Always choose fresh strawberries, blackberries, and baby spinach to ensure vibrant flavors.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much balsamic glaze can overpower the fresh ingredients. Start with a little and add more as needed to suit your taste.
- Skipping the toasting step: Toasting pecans and prosciutto adds depth and crunch. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall texture and flavor of the salad.
- Not balancing flavors: Ensure you have a good balance of sweet, salty, and tangy elements. Adjust honey or vinegar in the dressing to achieve the perfect harmony.
- Storing improperly: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.
Freezing Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
- Ingredients like spinach do not freeze well.
Reheating Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Spread out salad on a baking sheet for quick heating without losing crunch.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts at medium power. Use caution to avoid wilting greens.
- Stovetop: Quickly heat on low in a skillet while stirring gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze.
Can I use other fruits in my Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other seasonal fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for added variety.
How should I serve Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze?
This salad works wonderfully as a side dish at cookouts or picnics or as a light lunch on its own.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare all components ahead of time but keep them separate until just before serving for the best results.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, goat cheese or even crumbled blue cheese can be great alternatives that still provide that creamy element.
Final Thoughts
The berry spinach salad with pecans, feta, and balsamic glaze is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Its combination of textures makes it appealing for various occasions—from summer picnics to elegant dinners. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or fruits!
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Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Berry Spinach Salad With Pecans, Feta, And Balsamic Glaze is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and blackberries with the crunchy texture of toasted pecans and the creaminess of feta cheese. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritious punch.
Ingredients
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 3 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 4 oz prosciutto (toasted)
- ⅔ cup pecans, toasted
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange pecans and torn prosciutto on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly darker.
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix spinach, strawberries, blackberries, and feta cheese. Gently toss together.
- Divide into individual bowls and top with toasted prosciutto and pecans. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
