Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A sweet-and-savory blend of fresh strawberries, spinach, and arugula drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction, ideal for spring. This international-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs strawberries, baby spinach, arugula into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 135 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz strawberries
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 tbsp shallots
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Halve 12 oz strawberries and place in a large bowl. Add 3 cups baby spinach and 2 cups arugula, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until reduced to 2 tbsp.
- Step 3: Finely dice 2 tbsp shallots and add to the salad bowl. Pour the warm balsamic reduction over the salad, then toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep strawberries from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
International salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.