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Fresh Keto Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

keto strawberry spinach salad - featured image

A refreshing and light keto-friendly salad combining fresh baby spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, toasted nuts, and a rich balsamic reduction for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup (60g) toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (30g) thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar for reduction
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the balsamic reduction: Pour ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Simmer until thickened and reduced by about half, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when it coats the back of a spoon.
  2. Toast the nuts: While the reduction simmers, toast ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan often to avoid burning. Remove once fragrant and golden.
  3. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups (180g) baby spinach, 1 ½ cups (225g) sliced strawberries, ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese, and ¼ cup (30g) thinly sliced red onion if using.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired.
  5. Assemble the salad: Drizzle the olive oil dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, taking care not to bruise the strawberries.
  6. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top, then drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

Reduce balsamic vinegar slowly over low heat to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Balsamic reduction can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks; warm gently before use. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising strawberries. Adjust seasoning last.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto salad, strawberry spinach salad, balsamic reduction, low carb salad, healthy salad, keto recipe, fresh salad