Irresistible Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans & Feta
The Ultimate Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze You’ll Crave All Summer
If you’re looking for a dish that screams summer freshness, this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is just what you need. Picture vibrant strawberries and blackberries mingling with crisp baby spinach, all topped off with crunchy pecans and creamy feta cheese. This salad not only bursts with flavor but also brings a delightful crunch to every bite. Perfect for potlucks or as a light lunch, it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it!
Why You’ll Love This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
– Quick prep time of just 10 minutes makes it a great last-minute addition to any meal.
– The combination of sweet berries and savory feta creates a harmonious flavor balance.
– Packed with nutrients from fresh produce, making it a healthy choice.
– Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light main course.
– The balsamic glaze adds a gourmet touch that elevates the entire salad.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the recipe, gather these essential tools for an effortless preparation process:
– Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing all your ingredients together without spilling.
– Whisk: Ideal for blending the balsamic vinegar and honey for that luscious dressing.
– Sharp knife: Essential for slicing strawberries and turkey slices efficiently.
– Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen tidy.
Preparation Tips
For the best results, always use fresh produce—ripe berries will give you the sweetest flavor. Toasting the pecans enhances their nuttiness and adds extra crunch. If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the greens.
Ingredients for this Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Salad Ingredients
– 4 oz turkey slices (toasted)
– 2/3 cup pecans (toasted, some of them chopped)
– 6 oz baby spinach (fresh)
– 3 cups strawberries (cleaned and hulled, sliced)
– 1 cup blackberries
– 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Dressing Ingredients
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Summer is the perfect season for fresh, vibrant salads that burst with flavor and color. This Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze is a delightful way to enjoy the season’s bounty. With juicy strawberries and blackberries paired with crunchy pecans and creamy feta, every bite is a celebration of summer! Whether you’re bringing it to a cookout, serving it at a picnic, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad will surely impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Turkey Slices
Start by toasting your turkey slices in a skillet over medium heat. This will add a lovely crunch and enhance their flavor. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecans
While the turkey is toasting, you can prepare your pecans. In the same skillet (if you like!), toss in the pecans and toast them for about 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be sure to keep an eye on them; nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash! Once toasted, chop some of the pecans into smaller pieces for added texture.
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine one cup of balsamic vinegar with one-fourth cup of honey or brown sugar over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally, making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 4: Wash and Slice the Berries
Next up are those beautiful berries! Rinse your strawberries under cold water. Remove the tops and slice them into thin rounds. Then take your blackberries and give them a gentle rinse as well. Set both fruits aside as we prepare our greens.
Step 5: Assemble Your Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add six ounces of fresh baby spinach as your base. Layer on top your sliced strawberries, whole blackberries, toasted turkey slices (sliced or chopped), crumbled feta cheese, and both whole and chopped pecans for that delightful crunch.
Step 6: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle your homemade balsamic glaze generously over the assembled salad just before serving. You can adjust the amount based on your preference but remember that a little goes a long way! Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising your delicate greens.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
This salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve immediately for maximum crunchiness of veggies and freshness of berries. If you’re preparing it for later in the day or week, store components separately until ready to serve.
Notes
This Berry Spinach Salad is incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas if you’re looking for alternatives! You can also mix in other seasonal vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers for extra color and crunch. To elevate flavors even further, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or some herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic twist!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven textures.
– Overcooking nuts can cause bitterness.
– Not washing berries properly may result in unwanted residues.
– Forgetting to cool down cooked ingredients before adding them can wilt greens too fast.
Storage Instructions
To store any leftovers of this delicious salad, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Be mindful that salads tend to wilt quickly when dressed; thus it’s best not to mix dressing until you’re ready to eat! For longer storage options, consider freezing individual components (like cooked turkey) but avoid freezing mixed salads due to texture changes upon thawing.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 297 kcal
– Protein: 6 g
– Fat: 18 g
– Carbs: 30 g
– Fiber: 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your favorite or you want something creamier, goat cheese or even crumbled blue cheese would work beautifully in this salad.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
You’ll need about 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve so that everything stays fresh and crisp.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll try this delightful Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze soon! It’s perfect for any occasion where you want something light yet satisfying. Feel free to share your thoughts or variations on this recipe; I love hearing how everyone makes it their own!
Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the turkey slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In the same skillet, toast the pecans for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Chop some for added texture.
- Combine balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Allow to cool.
- Rinse strawberries, remove tops, and slice. Rinse blackberries and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add baby spinach as the base. Layer with sliced strawberries, whole blackberries, toasted turkey, crumbled feta, and pecans.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
