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Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze

Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is a fresh and vibrant salad combining nutrient-packed baby spinach, juicy mixed berries, crunchy toasted pecans, tangy crumbled feta cheese, and a luscious balsamic glaze, enhanced with extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice. This colorful, healthy dish is quick and easy to prepare, perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or wholesome snack for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), rinsed and sliced if needed
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing & Glaze

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Berries: Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Rinse the mixed berries and slice the strawberries if necessary for bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned, shaking the pan occasionally to avoid burning.
  3. Crumble the Feta Cheese: Using a fork, crumble the feta cheese into small, noticeable pieces to evenly distribute its creamy saltiness throughout the salad.
  4. Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Simmer gently over low heat until the mixture thickens into a syrupy glaze. Alternatively, use a pre-made balsamic glaze for convenience.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the spinach and berries. Sprinkle toasted pecans and crumbled feta on top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, followed by the balsamic glaze. Toss lightly if desired or serve with the glaze drizzled on top for visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use ripe, in-season berries for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Dry spinach well to avoid watering down the dressing and making the salad soggy.
  • Toast pecans carefully to enhance flavor without burning.
  • Simmer balsamic glaze slowly to achieve a perfect syrupy consistency.
  • Toss salad gently to prevent bruising berries and breaking spinach leaves.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook / stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad serving (about 1/4 of total)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: berry spinach salad, spinach salad with berries, pecan salad, feta salad, balsamic glaze salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad