Sweet, savory, and bursting with color, the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta is a true celebration of summer’s bounty. This vibrant salad brings together tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries and blueberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese for a texture and flavor explosion in every bite. The homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together with just the right touch of tang and sweetness, making this salad irresistible whether you’re crafting a light lunch or impressing guests at a sunny weekend gathering.

Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta comes from its simple, top-quality ingredients—each chosen for their unique role in both taste and texture. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why they matter so much.

Fresh baby spinach: Delicate leaves are the perfect, mildly earthy base that lets every other ingredient shine.
Sliced fresh strawberries: Their sweetness and juicy bite bring summery brightness and pop of red to every forkful.
Fresh blueberries: Plump and bursting, these add juicy tartness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and spinach.
Crumbled feta cheese: Tangy and creamy, feta creates contrast in taste and adds satisfying richness.
Pecans (toasted): Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and gives just the right amount of crunchy bite.
Red onion (thinly sliced): A sharp, peppery note that brings zing and rounds out the flavors.
Balsamic vinegar: Deep, sweet-tart base for the dressing that soaks into the fruit and leaves with every bite.
Olive oil: Adds essential silkiness and helps meld all the flavors together.
Honey: A hint of honey softens the dressing’s acidity for the perfect balance.
Dijon mustard: A little mustard adds body to the dressing and a subtle, savory depth.
Salt and black pepper: Bring all the flavors to life, just a pinch at the end goes a long way.

How to Make Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

Step 1: Gather and Prep All the Ingredients

Before you do anything, set yourself up for success by getting all your ingredients washed, sliced, and measured. Thoroughly rinse the baby spinach, berries, and pat dry to avoid a soggy salad. Slice the strawberries and red onion thinly, and take a moment to toast the pecans for that extra depth of flavor—it makes a world of difference.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and red onion. Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs so everything is evenly distributed—this ensures every bite of your Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta carries a bit of everything.

Step 3: Prepare the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is nicely emulsified and silky-looking. Taste and adjust honey or seasoning if you prefer it sweeter or with a bigger pop of tang.

Step 4: Dress the Salad Right Before Serving

Drizzle the freshly-made balsamic dressing evenly over the salad right before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and vibrant. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together, making sure those luscious berries and creamy feta cling to every leaf.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up your Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta onto chilled plates for an extra-refreshing experience. Every forkful will be a delightful mix of sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and savory cheese—a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the season.

How to Serve Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta

Garnishes

Give your salad a finishing flourish with a few extra sprinkles of feta, a scattering of whole blueberries and sliced strawberries, or a handful of microgreens. Even a light zest of lemon can brighten everything up, while a fresh grind of black pepper adds inviting aroma right before serving.

Side Dishes

The Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or a simple bowl of chilled soup like gazpacho. Add a warm baguette or slices of hearty whole grain bread to soak up that lovely dressing, and you’ve got a meal worthy of guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad layered in a wide glass trifle bowl for a stunning centerpiece at brunch. You can also plate individual portions on chilled salad plates for an elegant touch, or fill endive leaves or tortilla cups with the salad for bite-sized party appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the spinach from wilting, it’s best if the dressing is stored separately and only mixed just before serving. The prepared salad holds up well for about a day, though the greens are freshest when enjoyed right away.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta. The fresh fruits and leafy greens will lose their texture and become watery and mushy upon thawing. If you have extra dressing, however, that can be frozen separately in a small container for future salads.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed fresh and chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you want to add a warm element, try topping each serving with just-grilled chicken or shrimp right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even shaved parmesan work beautifully in this salad. Each alternative brings its own delicious twist while preserving the creamy texture and tangy contrast that complements the berries.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

For a nut-free version, swap out pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds give you plenty of crunch and nuttiness without any allergy concerns, making the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta safe for everyone at the table.

Can I make the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta ahead of time?

You can certainly prep most components ahead—wash and slice the fruit, toast the nuts, and whisk the dressing. Store each separately, then assemble and toss together just before serving for just-picked freshness.

How can I make this salad a more filling meal?

To make your Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta a main course, simply add your favorite protein. Think grilled chicken, shrimp, steak strips, or even chickpeas or quinoa for a vegetarian boost.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread pecans in a single layer on a dry skillet and toast over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely—they can burn quickly! Toasted nuts bring out that extra warm, nutty flavor in your salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts vibrant, refreshing, and easy to love, you simply must try the Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta. It’s a breeze to put together and always earns rave reviews. Give it a go for your next lunch, gathering, or potluck, and let this salad become a new favorite in your fresh food repertoire!

Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Feta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Strawberry & Blueberry Spinach Salad. Packed with fresh fruits, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta, this salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savory. The balsamic vinaigrette adds a zesty touch to enhance the overall taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

6 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pecans (toasted)
1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, strawberries, blueberries, feta, pecans, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and serve immediately.