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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Crunchy Pecans

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer salad combining fresh strawberries, baby spinach, toasted pecans, and a zesty dressing for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180 grams), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300 grams), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup pecans (120 grams), roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (75 grams), crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
  2. Prep the strawberries and onion: Hull and slice the strawberries into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Thinly slice the red onion, separating the rings gently. Set aside.
  3. Wash and dry spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the top.
  6. Toss gently using salad tongs or two large spoons to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the spinach or crushing the strawberries.
  7. Add toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Toss lightly or leave on top for presentation.
  8. Serve immediately. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and add just before serving.

Notes

Toast pecans slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. Keep spinach dry to maintain crispness. Toss salad gently to prevent bruising strawberries. Dress salad just before serving to avoid sogginess. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit or replace feta with vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, summer salad, pecans, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

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