15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad

15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad: A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious salad that you can whip up in just 15 minutes? This Strawberry Spinach Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients and topped with a homemade balsamic glaze, this salad is not only beautiful to look at but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a refreshing addition to your summer picnic.

Ingredients:

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

For the Spinach Strawberry Salad:

• 10 oz fresh baby spinach
• 3 cups strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup pecans, toasted (some chopped, some whole)

Directions:

Step 1 – Make the Balsamic Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar) over medium heat.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half. This process should take approximately 10 minutes.
   • Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and pour it into a heat-proof bowl to cool. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. It should have a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, but it shouldn’t be overly thick.

Step 2 – Assemble the Salad:

1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even mix.
2. Divide and Top:
   • Divide the salad evenly into individual serving bowls.
   • Top each bowl with a mix of whole and chopped toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch.
3. Dress the Salad:
   • Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of each salad bowl. The sweet and tangy glaze complements the fresh fruit and salty feta, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for glaze)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Calories: 300 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion:

This 15-Minute Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients in a quick and easy dish. The combination of sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze, makes this salad a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a side dish for dinner, or a beautiful addition to a gathering, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in every bite!

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