If you are looking for a vibrant and refreshing salad that bursts with flavor and texture, this Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the sweetness of fresh berries, the crispness of baby spinach, the nuttiness of toasted pecans, and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, all brought together by a luscious homemade berry vinaigrette, this salad is an explosion of colors and tastes in every bite. Whether it’s a light lunch or a beautiful side dish, this recipe promises a delightful experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. From juicy berries to crunchy pecans, every addition enriches the salad in a special way.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: The tender, mild greens form the perfect base, providing freshness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and a lovely bright red hue.
- 1/2 cup blueberries: Offers bursts of tartness and a cool pop of color.
- 1/2 cup raspberries: Contributes a delicate, tangy flavor and a soft texture.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite for contrast.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty element that complements the berries perfectly.
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans: Provides irresistible crunch and warmth, especially when toasted.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (for dressing): Key to the flavorful and fruity homemade berry vinaigrette.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Injects a pleasant tanginess to brighten the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness in the vinaigrette.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Lends richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to season both the dressing and salad perfectly.
How to Make Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Berry Vinaigrette
The heart of this salad is the homemade berry vinaigrette, which beautifully ties all the fresh ingredients together. Start by blending half a cup of fresh strawberries with apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. As the dressing begins to take shape, slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending to achieve a glossy, emulsified texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper to find the perfect balance just right for your palate. This vibrant dressing is bursting with sweet, tangy, and slightly mustardy notes that elevate every bite of the salad.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans to Perfection
Toasting pecans is a simple yet crucial step that transforms their flavor and texture. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped pecans, and stir frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the nuts turning golden and releasing a warm, nutty aroma—that’s when you know they’re perfect. Once toasted, transfer the pecans to a bowl to cool; this crunch adds wonderful contrast to the juicy berries and tender spinach.
Step 3: Assemble Your Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe
Next comes the fun and visually enticing task of assembling your salad. Place the fresh baby spinach in a large bowl as the vibrant base. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and thinly sliced red onion evenly across the greens, ensuring every forkful will have a little bit of everything. Sprinkle the creamy crumbled feta on top like little bursts of savory magic before finishing with the beautifully toasted pecans for that extra crunch and warmth. The combination of colors here will be simply stunning.
Step 4: Dress and Serve Immediately
Just before serving, gently drizzle the prepared homemade berry vinaigrette over the salad. Toss carefully to coat every leaf and berry without bruising or wilting the spinach. Serving this salad immediately ensures the spinach stays crisp and the flavors remain fresh and bright. Prepare yourself for a salad that is as delicious as it is beautiful, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a delightful treat!
How to Serve Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few finishing touches can take your Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe to the next level. Consider sprinkling extra fresh berries or pecan halves on top for visual interest. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness and sophistication. Fresh herbs like basil or mint provide a surprising hint of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the berries.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a well-rounded meal, or serve it with crusty artisan bread to soak up any leftover vinaigrette. It also pairs beautifully with quinoa or a light pasta for a heartier option. The balance of sweet, savory, and nutty in this salad complements many proteins and grains.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to play with presentation! Serve this salad in individual mason jars layered with the greens, berries, nuts, and cheese, topped with dressing for an elegant picnic or potluck. Another idea is to arrange it beautifully on a large platter with berries and pecans artistically scattered for a rustic yet refined look. The colorful palette of this salad offers endless opportunities to impress your guests visually as well as taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad components separate whenever possible. Store the spinach and berries in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the toasted pecans and dressing in separate containers to prevent sogginess. The salad is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
This Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe is not suitable for freezing due to the freshness of the berries and the delicate nature of spinach. Freezing would cause the ingredients to become mushy upon thawing and lose their delicious textures.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. For best enjoyment, fresh preparation is key so the flavors and textures remain vibrant and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes and can be toasted in the same way for a delicious crunchy texture. Just adjust the quantity to your preference.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep the salad vegan-friendly while still maintaining a creamy, tangy element.
How long does the homemade berry vinaigrette last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the berry vinaigrette will keep well for up to 5 days. Give it a quick shake or stir before using to re-emulsify the dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prep most of the ingredients and have them ready, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the berries fresh.
What other fruits work well in this salad?
Blackberries, mango slices, or even pomegranate seeds can be delightful additions or swaps, depending on what’s in season and your personal taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in the most delightful way. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how easy it is to create something so colorful, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a special gathering, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes, just like it is for me.
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Delicious Berry Spinach Salad with Toasted Pecans and Homemade Berry Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Berry Spinach Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish featuring a mix of baby spinach, assorted berries, tangy feta cheese, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a homemade strawberry vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side, this salad balances sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a delightful crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
Dressing
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Begin by preparing the homemade berry vinaigrette, which will be the star of your Berry Spinach Salad. In a small blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. As you blend, slowly add olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. Don’t forget to season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste—a perfect dressing should have a balance of flavors, and this is where you can adapt it to suit your palate!
- Toast the Pecans: Enhancing the nuttiness of your pecans is crucial for this salad. Place the chopped pecans into a dry skillet set over medium heat. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes or until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Make sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the skillet and set them aside to cool. This step adds a wonderful crunch to your salad and brings out the best in the pecans.
- Assemble the Salad: Now for the fun part! In a large salad bowl, add the dry baby spinach, creating a foundation for your colorful toppings. Next, evenly distribute the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and thinly sliced red onion over the spinach. Visual appeal is essential in a salad, so aim for an even distribution that showcases each ingredient beautifully. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese atop the salad, followed by the cooled, toasted pecans. Their crunch will add texture, while the feta offers a creamy contrast to the fresh fruits.
- Dress and Serve: Just before you are ready to serve your salad, drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. It’s best not to add the vinaigrette too early, as spinach can wilt. Toss the salad gently to combine all the delicious ingredients, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, and enjoy your delightful Berry Spinach Salad.
Notes
- Toast pecans carefully over medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Add dressing just before serving to prevent spinach from wilting.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan dressing.
- For extra crunch, add more toasted nuts or seeds if desired.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours without dressing.
