Print

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans and Feta

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, vibrant summer salad combining baby spinach, ripe strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy candied pecans, tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add pecans, granulated sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly as sugar melts and coats pecans, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer pecans to a parchment-lined plate to cool and separate if stuck.
  2. Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels to ensure crispness.
  3. Hull and slice strawberries into thin, even pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta. Drizzle dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Sprinkle candied pecans on top just before serving to maintain crunch.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Stir candied pecans constantly to prevent burning. Add pecans last to keep them crunchy. Dressing and candied pecans can be made a day ahead and stored separately. For dairy-free, substitute feta with almond-based cheese or omit. Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, feta salad, summer salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-feta-perfect-for-summer/