Print

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans and Feta

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, vibrant salad combining sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta, and baby spinach, dressed with a light honey balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 1 pint strawberries (about 450g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup candied pecans (120g), homemade with sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt
  • 4 ounces feta cheese (115g), crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (about 30g)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently as the sugar melts and caramelizes, about 4-5 minutes, until golden amber.
  2. Quickly add 1 cup pecan halves to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the caramel mixture. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden, about 10 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the pecans before they cool.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups baby spinach, 1 pint sliced strawberries, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Add feta and pecans: Crumble 4 ounces feta cheese over the salad, then add the cooled candied pecans. Toss lightly to distribute.
  6. Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and carefully toss again until everything is evenly coated, being gentle to avoid bruising the spinach or smashing the strawberries.
  7. Serve immediately to keep the greens crisp and pecans crunchy.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid soggy greens. Pat dry spinach thoroughly before use. Cook candied pecans on medium heat to prevent burning. Toss salad gently to keep strawberries intact. Candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. For dairy-free options, substitute feta with goat cheese or vegan feta alternatives. Dressing can be thinned with a teaspoon of water if too thick.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-feta-easy-healthy-lunch-idea/