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Looking for a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. With fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and a honey-balsamic dressing, it’s a refreshing dish that’s ideal for spring and summer gatherings or as a light meal any time of year.
Key Ingredients
This salad brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The tender spinach provides a nutrient-rich base, while the strawberries add a burst of sweetness. The feta cheese offers a creamy tang, and the candied pecans deliver a satisfying crunch. The honey-balsamic dressing ties everything together with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach or baby kale, washed | 5 oz (about 5 cups) |
| Strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced | 1 lb |
| Feta, crumbled or goat cheese | ½ cup |
| Pecans, candied | ¼ cup |
| Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Honey, raw | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Helpful Tools
To make this salad preparation a breeze, you’ll want to have these tools on hand:
- A large salad bowl for mixing all the ingredients
- A sharp knife for slicing strawberries
- A whisk for combining the dressing ingredients
Pro-Tips
- Use the freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red and fragrant.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad enhances their nutty flavor. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- For a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
- Looking for more salad inspiration? Check out this Avocado Chicken Salad Perfect For Meal Prep for another delicious option.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
- Wash and dry the spinach or baby kale thoroughly. Place it in a large salad bowl.
- Wash the strawberries, remove the hulls, and slice them. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the greens.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze (or vinegar), olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta and candied pecans over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans!
Variations
This versatile salad can be adapted in many ways:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta for a tangier flavor profile.
- Include other fruits like blueberries or mandarin orange segments for additional sweetness.
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
This simple and elegant Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy! Crisp fresh spinach, juicy ripe strawberries, and buttery toasted pecans are brought together with a quick, tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a versatile, healthy side dish that takes only 15 minutes to throw together and is guaranteed to impress.
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
— The Salad —
10 oz fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup pecan halves or roughly chopped pecans
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, but recommended)
— Balsamic Vinaigrette —
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. **Toast the Pecans:** Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly darkened. Remove from the pan immediately and set aside to cool.
2. **Make the Vinaigrette:** In a small mason jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake vigorously (or whisk well) until the dressing is completely smooth and emulsified.
3. **Assemble the Base:** In a large serving bowl or on a platter, add the fresh baby spinach. Scatter the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion evenly over the top.
4. **Add Toppings:** Sprinkle the cooled, toasted pecans and crumbled feta (or goat cheese) over the salad.
5. **Dress and Serve:** Just before serving, give the vinaigrette another quick shake and drizzle it over the salad. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to bruise the spinach. Serve immediately.
Notes
Candied Pecan Option: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can swap the plain toasted pecans for candied or glazed pecans.
Make Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the dressing and prep all the salad ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Store the dressing, spinach, strawberries, and pecans in separate airtight containers in the fridge (keep pecans at room temp). Assemble and toss right before serving.
Make it a Meal: Top this salad with sliced grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or even quinoa to turn it into a protein-packed main course.
Dairy-Free/Vegan: Simply omit the cheese (or use a vegan alternative) and ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds make great alternatives if you don’t have pecans on hand.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate and add it when you’re ready to eat. The salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a light lunch, it’s a refreshing and nutritious option that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest