Can I make spinach and strawberry salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Store the spinach, strawberries, nuts, and cheese separately, and assemble with balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What type of cheese goes best with strawberries in a salad?

Feta and goat cheese are both excellent choices. They add a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries and complement the balsamic glaze perfectly.

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze?

Yes, but balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter. If using balsamic vinegar, consider whisking it with honey or reducing it over heat to make a glaze.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, simply use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.

Can I use different fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely. Blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, or sliced pears all pair well with spinach and balsamic glaze.

Spinach And Strawberry Salad With Balsamic Glaze Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese. This Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Glaze is light, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side or standalone dish for spring and summer.

The star of the show? A rich balsamic glaze that adds just the right tangy sweetness and ties all the flavors together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, potluck, or weekday lunch, this salad always impresses!

Table of Contents

🥗 Ingredients

6 cups baby spinach
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Add-Ins:

Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
Sliced red onions
Chia or sunflower seeds for extra crunch

🥣 Instructions

Wash and dry spinach thoroughly.
Hull and slice the strawberries.
Toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
In a large salad bowl, layer spinach, strawberries, feta, and pecans.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use balsamic glaze, not vinegar: The glaze is thicker, slightly sweet, and ideal for drizzling.
Want more sweetness? Add a few candied pecans or a drizzle of honey over the top.
Serving a crowd? Arrange ingredients on a platter instead of tossing for a more elegant presentation.

🍓 Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad is not just eye-catching—it’s a nutrient powerhouse! Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, spinach is loaded with iron and fiber, and the combination of cheese and nuts delivers healthy fats and protein. Plus, it’s gluten-free and easily adaptable for vegetarian and keto diets.

🌱 Pair It With

Grilled chicken breast or salmon
Chilled cucumber soup or gazpacho
Fresh-baked baguette or garlic toast

🛒 Budget-Friendly Shopping Tip

Buy strawberries in season or on BOGO deals and freeze any extras for smoothies. Store-brand balsamic glaze is often more affordable than specialty versions. Choose feta in tubs over pre-crumbled packs to save money and get fresher texture.

🌟 Related Recipes from YesWeCoupon

🍓 A Salad That’s Sweet, Savory, and Stunning

Spinach and Strawberry Salad has become a modern classic—and for good reason. It combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors into one gorgeous bowl, offering a refreshing twist on traditional leafy salads. This salad is a favorite during the warmer months, but it’s tasty (and photogenic) all year long.

If you’ve never tried fruit in your salad, this is the best place to start. Strawberries add bright color and a natural sweetness that balances the bold saltiness of feta or goat cheese. When paired with tender baby spinach and crunchy nuts, you get layers of texture and a perfect contrast of flavors.

And then there’s the balsamic glaze. Glossy, syrupy, and rich, it ties everything together. No need to measure or mix a dressing—just drizzle and go.

🥗 Why This Salad Works

This salad is more than just pretty. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

Quick prep: No cooking (unless toasting nuts), no fancy equipment.
Versatile: Works as a side, lunch, or light dinner. Add protein to bulk it up.
Impressive presentation: Ideal for entertaining or potlucks.
Nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

It’s also perfect for meal prep. Store each ingredient separately and assemble just before eating for peak freshness.

🧠 Nutrition Snapshot

Here’s what’s inside each forkful:

Spinach: Iron, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins A & C
Strawberries: Antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural sweetness
Feta: Protein, calcium, and a creamy tang
Pecans or walnuts: Omega-3s, crunch, and healthy fats
Balsamic glaze: Just a touch of sweetness to elevate the dish

Want to reduce sugar? Use fresh balsamic vinegar or make your own glaze with a sugar substitute.

🛍️ Shopping Smart: How to Save

This salad can be surprisingly budget-friendly. Look for:

Strawberries in bulk: Buy 2-lb clamshells during peak season and freeze extra.
Spinach: Opt for large bags over clamshells for better value.
Feta: Buy blocks of feta and crumble it yourself—it’s cheaper and creamier.
Nuts: Grab store-brand pecans or walnuts and toast them yourself to save big.

You can also substitute what you already have on hand—use arugula instead of spinach, or almonds in place of pecans. Flexibility is part of the beauty of this salad.

🍽️ Easy Customization Ideas

Here’s how to make it your own:

Add protein: Grilled chicken, seared tofu, or salmon work beautifully.
Make it vegan: Use vegan feta or skip the cheese altogether.
Boost fiber: Toss in quinoa or chia seeds.
Change the fruit: Try blueberries, raspberries, or pear slices.

This is the kind of salad that adapts to your pantry—and your cravings.