Name: and a Rich Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1/3 cup pecans, toasted; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re dreaming of a summer salad that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, this vibrant bowl is about to become your new go-to. Imagine sweet ruby strawberries, plump blueberries, toasty pecans, and creamy feta, all mingling atop a bed of crisp spinach and brought to life with a tangy dressing and a Rich Balsamic Glaze. This Strawberry Spinach Salad makes every bite irresistible with pops of color, texture, and that unmistakable touch of sweet-tart magic from the glaze. It’s effortlessly impressive for entertaining but so easy you’ll find yourself making it any night of the week!

and a Rich Balsamic Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in making this salad sing. The freshness, crunch, creamy tang, and that glossy balsamic drizzle all work in harmony for the perfect bite!

Fresh baby spinach: The ultimate leafy green, providing a tender, mild base that lets the colors and flavors shine.
Strawberries, sliced: Juicy and sweet, they add bursts of summery red and just the right amount of fruity flavor.
Blueberries: Little pops of color and natural sweetness, plus they hold up beautifully in salads.
Pecans, toasted: Toasting brings out their nutty richness; the perfect crunchy counterpoint to the soft berries.
Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty—feta unites all the flavors and gives the salad a satisfying richness.
Balsamic glaze: This magical reduction is sweet, tangy, and thick enough to cling to every leaf for that signature finishing touch.
Olive oil: Rich and smooth, it helps bind the dressing and adds subtle flavor depth.
Honey: Just a hint sweetens the dressing to balance the tang of the balsamic and the lemony greens.
Dijon mustard: Adds a mild bite and further emulsifies the dressing for a consistent, silky texture.
Salt: Essential for making every ingredient’s flavor pop – just a pinch does wonders.
Black pepper: For a balanced touch of warmth and spice that finishes the salad perfectly.

How to Make and a Rich Balsamic Glaze

Step 1: Prep the Produce

Wash and dry your spinach well—no one loves a soggy salad! Next, hull and slice those juicy strawberries, and pick over your blueberries so only the plumpest make it into the bowl. If you haven’t already, give your pecans a quick toast on a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and golden. This subtle step totally transforms their flavor!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until the mixture is silky and emulsified—this little homemade combo is so much brighter and fresher than any store-bought bottle. It ties the greens and fruit together beautifully, without overpowering their fresh flavors.

Step 3: Build the Salad

Add your spinach to a large salad bowl, then top with the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and toasted pecans. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over everything (don’t be shy!), and give it a big but gentle toss so each bite has a bit of everything. The creamy cheese and crunchy nuts nestle beautifully among the berries—just one look, and your appetite will kick in.

Step 4: Dress and Glaze

Drizzle your homemade dressing evenly over the salad and toss just until everything is lightly coated. Right before serving, take your and a Rich Balsamic Glaze and generously drizzle it across the top. The glaze’s glossy ribbons not only make your salad irresistibly beautiful but add a deep, sweet tang that ties all the flavors together in the most magical way.

How to Serve and a Rich Balsamic Glaze

Garnishes

This salad already dazzles the eye, but for a wow factor, finish with a few more slices of fresh strawberry, extra crumbles of feta, a scatter of microgreens, or a delicate swirl of and a Rich Balsamic Glaze on top. Each little flourish looks restaurant-level and just makes the whole dish feel extra special when you bring it to the table.

Side Dishes

For lunch, this salad sings solo, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite crusty bread for a heartier meal. Try it alongside a quiche or a simple soup—its freshness balances rich, savory dishes and makes a wonderful addition to a spring or summer brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this strawberry spinach salad family-style in a big bowl, or turn it into an elegant starter by layering it on small plates for a dinner party. For a picnic, pack the greens and toppings separately, then drizzle on the dressing and and a Rich Balsamic Glaze right before serving. Or, build it in individual mason jars for a perfectly portable, Instagram-worthy lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—the salad keeps surprisingly well! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For the freshest texture, store the dressing and and a Rich Balsamic Glaze separately and toss everything right before you’re ready to enjoy.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and fruit, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The spinach will wilt and the berries can become mushy. However, you can freeze the pecans and even make the dressing ahead, then assemble the salad fresh for maximum crunch and color.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. However, if you want the pecans extra crisp, re-toast them briefly in a skillet before serving. No need to heat the and a Rich Balsamic Glaze—just drizzle it on straight from the bottle!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese is a fantastic substitute with a similar creamy tang, or you could opt for shaved parmesan for a slightly nuttier bite. If you want to keep it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite plant-based alternative.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

No worries—you can reduce balsamic vinegar with a little honey or maple syrup until syrupy, or just use a good-quality balsamic vinegar for a lighter drizzle. Still, the finished touch of and a Rich Balsamic Glaze makes this salad next-level!

Are there other nuts I could use?

Pecans are lovely, but you can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different twist. Toasting any type of nut makes a big difference in flavor and texture, so don’t skip that step!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can slice the berries, toast the pecans, and mix the dressing a few hours in advance. For best results, wait to combine all the ingredients and add the dressing (plus the and a Rich Balsamic Glaze) right before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the pecans crunchy.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! As written, this salad with and a Rich Balsamic Glaze is naturally gluten free, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs. Just double-check your balsamic glaze and mustard to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a salad that feels as exciting as it tastes, don’t miss out on this Strawberry Spinach Salad with berries, pecans, feta, and a Rich Balsamic Glaze. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s as perfect for impromptu lunches as it is for festive gatherings. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be looking for any excuse to break out that glorious glaze again and again!