Introduction

This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is the perfect summer salad, bursting with fresh, sweet berries and savory cheese. It’s a vibrant, no-cook dish that comes together in minutes for a light lunch or impressive side. For another delightful strawberry dessert, try this Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is a feast for the senses, combining sweet berries, crunchy toasted pecans, creamy feta, and a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• 10 ounces baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta comes together in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than similar fruit and spinach salad recipes that require toasting nuts or making a cooked dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Wash and Dry the Greens

Place the fresh baby spinach in a large colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Use a salad spinner to remove all excess moisture, as wet greens will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Pat any remaining leaves gently with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2 — Prepare the Strawberries and Blueberries

Rinse one pint of strawberries under cool water. Hull them by removing the green stem and leaves, then slice them thinly. For the blueberries, rinse half a pint and spread them on a paper towel to air dry completely before adding to the salad.

Step 3 — Toast the Pecans

Preheat a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pecan halves and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely, as nuts can burn quickly. Immediately transfer them to a plate to cool.

Step 4 — Crumble the Feta Cheese

Take a block of high-quality feta cheese and use your fingers or a fork to crumble it into bite-sized pieces over a small bowl. For a creamier texture, you can use pre-crumbled feta, but a block typically offers better flavor and moisture control.

Step 5 — Make the Vinaigrette

In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a touch of honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy.

Step 6 — Assemble the Salad Base

Add the dried spinach to a large, wide salad bowl. Scatter the sliced strawberries and dried blueberries evenly over the top. This creates a colorful and inviting base for your Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta.

Step 7 — Add Toppings and Toss Gently

Sprinkle the cooled toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the fruit and greens. Drizzle about half of the dressing around the edge of the bowl. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss the salad gently from the bottom upwards to coat everything lightly without crushing the berries.

Step 8 — Serve Immediately

Taste a leaf and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve your vibrant Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta right away on chilled plates to keep it crisp and refreshing. Offer the remaining dressing on the side.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~8 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~21 g
Fiber	~6 g
Sodium	~280 mg

This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is a nutrient-dense meal, providing a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants from the fresh berries and spinach. The pecans and feta contribute healthy fats and calcium.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size; actual values may vary with specific brands and preparations.

Healthier Alternatives

This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Protein Alternative (Chicken or Salmon) — Add grilled chicken breast or flaked salmon for a more substantial, protein-packed meal.
• Lower-Carb Berry Swap — Use raspberries or blackberries in place of blueberries for a slightly lower sugar content and a tart flavor boost.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Substitute the feta with crumbled dairy-free almond or tofu-based “feta” for a creamy, tangy alternative without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Crunch — Ensure any added croutons are certified gluten-free, or use roasted chickpeas for a safe, crunchy topping.
• Low-Sodium Option — Opt for unsalted pecans and a low-sodium feta cheese to significantly reduce the overall salt content of the salad.
• Nut-Free Crunch — Replace pecans with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar satisfying crunch without tree nuts.
• Vegan Protein Boost — Add a handful of cooked quinoa or seasoned lentils to make this Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad a complete vegan main dish.
• Lighter Dressing — Mix the vinaigrette with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for a creamier, protein-rich dressing with fewer calories from oil.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make it the star of any meal.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this salad alongside grilled proteins for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled lemon-herb chicken, seared salmon, or a simple quinoa pilaf. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a cup of chilled soup.

Occasions & Gatherings

This salad is a crowd-pleaser for brunches, picnics, and summer barbecues. Its bright colors make it perfect for holiday tables, baby showers, or as a refreshing side at a potluck. Consider doubling the recipe for larger groups.

Plating & Presentation Tips

• Family Style: Toss everything in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients.
• Individual Portions: Layer the spinach, berries, pecans, and feta in clear glasses or mason jars for a stunning layered salad effect.
• Elegant Entrée: For a main course, plate a generous mound on individual plates and top with extra pecans and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare components ahead to keep the salad fresh. Wash and dry the spinach, toast the pecans, and cube the feta. Store them separately. Combine everything and add the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy, pre-washed spinach that wilts instantly. Fix: Thoroughly dry fresh spinach leaves in a salad spinner to ensure the dressing clings properly.
• Mistake: Dressing the salad too early, creating a soggy, unappetizing bowl. Fix: Always add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and berries vibrant.
• Mistake: Chopping strawberries too far in advance, causing them to bleed juice. Fix: Slice your strawberries right before assembling to maintain their texture and color.
• Mistake: Using bland, raw pecans that lack depth of flavor. Fix: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry pan to unlock their nutty aroma and add a satisfying crunch.
• Mistake: Crumbling the feta cheese too finely, causing it to disappear. Fix: Use larger, chunkier crumbles so the salty, creamy feta is a distinct element in every bite.
• Mistake: Creating an unbalanced, overly sweet or acidic dressing. Fix: Taste and adjust your vinaigrette, balancing the olive oil, acid (like lemon or balsamic), and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Mistake: Tossing the salad aggressively and bruising the delicate berries. Fix: Gently fold the ingredients together with your hands or salad servers to keep everything intact.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning step, resulting in a flat-tasting salad. Fix: Remember to season your spinach with a small pinch of salt and pepper before adding other ingredients.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store the undressed Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent wilting.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this fresh salad. The high water content in the spinach, strawberries, and blueberries will cause them to become mushy and unappealing upon thawing.
• Reheat: This salad is served cold and should not be reheated. If you have added warm components like grilled chicken, ensure they are cooled to below 40°F (4°C) before adding to the salad for safe storage.

For best quality, assemble your Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta just before enjoying. The nuts and cheese will stay crisp and crumbly, and the berries will retain their perfect texture.

Conclusion

This Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is a vibrant, healthy dish perfect for any occasion. We hope you love this fresh combination of sweet berries, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more berry-inspired treats, check out our Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe or Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but assemble just before serving. Keep the dressing separate and store washed, dried spinach, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta in airtight containers. Add the fresh strawberries and blueberries to your Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta right before eating to prevent sogginess.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

For a similar tangy flavor, try goat cheese crumbles. For a dairy-free or milder option, omit the cheese or use toasted nuts for extra crunch. The sweet berries and vinaigrette will still make your salad delicious.

Is this salad a complete meal?

This salad is a fantastic light lunch or side dish. To make it a heartier meal, add a protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas. The combination of spinach, fruit, pecans, and feta provides great flavor and texture.