Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Glaze Recipe

If you are looking for a salad that bursts with color, flavor, and delightful textures, then the Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Glaze is your new go-to recipe. This vibrant salad combines fresh baby spinach with juicy mixed berries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all elevated by a luscious homemade balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, savory, and nutty elements that come together beautifully in every bite, making it much more than just a side dish—it’s a joyful experience on a plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this salad is carefully chosen to bring not just its unique flavor but also texture and visual appeal. The balance between fresh produce, nuts, cheese, and a homemade dressing means simple ingredients come together for extraordinary results.

• Fresh baby spinach: Provides a tender, slightly earthy green base that’s packed with nutrients and perfect for holding all the toppings.
• Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): Adds sweet juiciness and vibrant color to brighten the dish and offer antioxidant power.
• Pecans, toasted: Lends a crunchy texture with a rich, buttery flavor that complements both the fruit and the cheese.
• Feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the berries and glaze.
• Balsamic vinegar: The base for the glaze—its tart depth enhances all the salad components.
• Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the glaze naturally, balancing the balsamic’s acidity with gentle sweetness.

How to Make Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

Begin by placing the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes while stirring occasionally. This reduction transforms the vinegar into a thick, syrupy glaze that’s glossy and intensely flavorful. Once ready, set it aside to cool slightly—this step is crucial for the glaze to coat the salad perfectly without overpowering it.

Step 2: Assemble the Base with Spinach

Take four generous cups of fresh baby spinach leaves and arrange them in a large serving bowl or on a platter. The spinach acts as a fresh, crisp canvas that highlights the colors and flavors of the other ingredients, making every forkful interesting.

Step 3: Add the Mixed Berries

Gently scatter one cup of mixed berries, including sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, over the spinach. These berries add juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast wonderfully with the greens and nuts, creating textural variety and bright pops of color that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Step 4: Sprinkle Pecans and Feta

Sprinkle a quarter cup of toasted pecans evenly across the salad for that essential crunch. Then crumble 100 grams of feta cheese over the top. The feta’s crumbly, salty creaminess pairs perfectly with the sweet berries and nutty pecans, creating a well-rounded and satisfying flavor profile.

Step 5: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

Right before serving, drizzle your balsamic glaze over the assembled salad. The glaze adds a luscious coating and a refined tangy-sweet bite. If you like, toss the salad gently to ensure every leaf and bite gets a little bit of that magical glaze without sogging the greens.

How to Serve Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Glaze

Garnishes

Enhance your salad’s presentation and flavor by adding extra fresh herbs like mint or basil leaves on top. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few edible flowers can also elevate the visual appeal and give an unexpected twist to the flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a light quiche. Its bright and fresh flavors provide a fantastic contrast to richer mains, making it an ideal companion for a balanced, nutritious meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Glaze in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or potluck option. Layer the ingredients carefully, placing the dressing at the bottom and spinach at the top to keep everything fresh until ready to eat. Alternatively, create a vibrant salad platter with clusters of ingredients arranged artistically to wow guests at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the salad components separately for best results—store the spinach and berries in an airtight container, pecans in a small bag or container, and feta in a sealed dish. The balsamic glaze should be kept refrigerated in a small jar. Combine just before serving to keep textures fresh.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and berries, this salad is not ideal for freezing. These ingredients do not freeze well and will lose their desirable texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or shortly after preparation.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. The balsamic glaze is delicious as a cool syrup, and warming the salad would affect the freshness of the spinach and berries.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can add a lovely crunch and complementary flavor. Just toast them lightly to bring out their natural oils for the best taste.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata work well if you prefer a milder or creamier cheese option while still maintaining that creamy texture.

How long can the balsamic glaze be stored?

You can keep the balsamic glaze in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling again.

Can the salad be made vegan?

Definitely! Simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze to keep it vegan-friendly.

What kind of balsamic vinegar is best for the glaze?

Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar that is thick and flavorful, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. A standard aged balsamic vinegar will reduce into a delicious glaze perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta & Balsamic Glaze—it’s fresh, colorful, and full of wholesome ingredients that taste as amazing as they look. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this salad is a delightful way to elevate any meal. I encourage you to try it soon and discover just how easy it is to create a dish that’s both nutritious and irresistible.