Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach and berries. Slice larger berries such as strawberries into bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced sizes for easy eating.
- Toast the pecans: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. This enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, honey or maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the spinach, mixed berries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze: Just before serving, drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the salad for added elegance and concentrated flavor.
Notes
- Select fresh baby spinach leaves without bruising for the best texture and flavor.
- Dry all ingredients thoroughly to prevent dilution of the dressing and sogginess.
- Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning but bring out their aroma.
- Use a high-quality balsamic glaze for better flavor balance.
- Dress the salad right before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking / stovetop (toasting nuts)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: berry spinach salad, pecans, feta, balsamic glaze, healthy salad, fresh berries, gluten free