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Berry Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad mixing sweet berries, crisp spinach, and creamy feta, drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze, perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Balsamic Glaze
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar Adds a rich, tangy flavor elevating the salad's taste.
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar Provides sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Salad Ingredients
  • 6 cups baby spinach Fresh green base offering vitamins and crispness.
  • 1 cup blueberries Juicy, sweet bursts that enhance flavor and color.
  • 1 cup raspberries Tart accents that balance the sweetness of the blueberries.
  • 1 cup mandarin oranges Adds a citrusy sweetness for extra flavor depth.
  • 1 cup feta cheese Creamy, tangy cheese that complements the salad beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup pecans Nutty crunch providing texture and healthy fats.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half (about 10 minutes).
  2. Remove from heat and pour the balsamic glaze into a heat-proof bowl to cool off. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
Assembling the Salad
  1. For the best presentation, divide the spinach into individual large salad bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, and feta cheese.
  3. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze or combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss, then divide into individual serving bowls.
  4. Top with whole and chopped toasted pecans and drizzle additional balsamic glaze on top.
  5. Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, although it can be made in advance for meal prep.

Notes

Toast the pecans to enhance their nutty flavor. Use fresh berries for the best flavor; avoid using frozen berries as they can be mushy. Allow the balsamic glaze to cool completely before adding it to the salad.