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Fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe with Crunchy Pecans Perfect for Summer

fresh spinach strawberry salad - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing summer salad combining fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a tangy honey balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup crunchy pecans, toasted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (can substitute goat cheese or omit for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup 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. Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup of pecans and toast, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Rinse 6 cups of baby spinach leaves under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to avoid soggy salad.
  3. Hull and slice about 2 cups of fresh strawberries into thin pieces.
  4. Thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion, separating the rings (optional).
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large bowl, gently toss the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted pecans.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly until everything is coated evenly.
  8. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Toss gently or leave as garnish.
  9. Serve immediately for the best balance of crunch and juiciness.

Notes

Toast pecans over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add dressing just before serving to prevent spinach from wilting. Thinly slice strawberries and add last when tossing to avoid crushing. For dairy-free or vegan options, omit feta or substitute with vegan cheese or avocado. Pecans can be swapped with toasted walnuts or almonds.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach salad, strawberry salad, pecan salad, summer salad, healthy salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://larameals.com/fresh-spinach-strawberry-salad-recipe-with-crunchy-pecans-perfect-for-summer/