Prep Time 15 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Cuisine: ,
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Best Season: Spring, Summer
Description

This vibrant Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a refreshing and nutrient-packed dish perfect for warm-weather dining. Sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese come together in a delightful balance of flavors, enhanced by a homemade balsamic glaze. It's a quick, healthy, and flavorful salad that can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal.

Ingredients
    For the Salad:
  • 4 cups baby spinach (washed and dried)
  • 1 cups 1.5 strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup pecans (toasted and roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds (optional for extra crunch)
    • For the Balsamic Glaze Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
    Prepare the Balsamic Glaze Dressing
  1. 1
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
    2. Assemble the Salad
  2. 2
    In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach. Layer with sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted pecans. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds over the top.
    3. Dress and Serve
  3. 3
    Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure even distribution of flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note
  • Storage: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate.
  • Variations:
    • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
    • Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
    • Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
  • Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup and omit feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Keywords: healthy, quick, easy, summer salad, gluten-free
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/spinach-and-strawberry-salad-with-balsamic-glaz/