Variation
Swap goat cheese for feta for a saltier profile.
Salad · Dinner · Side Dish · American
Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans
This strawberry spinach salad combines fresh summer berries with crunchy candied pecans and a homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing for the perfect seasonal side dish.
Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Prepare Nuts and Dressing
- 1
Candy the Pecans
Place pecans and sugar in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar melts and coats the nuts.
Tip: Watch closely as sugar can burn within seconds once it turns liquid.
- 2
Whisk Vinaigrette
In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, and salt.
Tip: Shake the jar vigorously to emulsify the oil and vinegar properly.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans
Total time: 20 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Candy the Pecans
Add the pecans and sugar to a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar melts into a medium-brown syrup and coats the pecans. Immediately transfer them to parchment paper to cool and harden.
- 2
Prepare the Base
In a large shallow bowl, spread out the baby spinach. If the leaves are large, give them a rough chop to make the salad easier to eat.
- 3
Layer the Toppings
Arrange the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onions over the spinach. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly across the top.
- 4
Emulsify the Dressing
Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon, poppy seeds, and salt together until thick and combined. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- 5
Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Add the cooled candied pecans and toss gently to ensure the leaves are coated but not bruised.
Chef's Tips
- To take the bite out of red onions, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Store the dressing in a separate container if you plan to eat the salad later to prevent wilting.
- Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for a thicker, sweeter dressing profile.
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve alongside grilled salmon for a light summer dinner.
- Perfect for outdoor brunch gatherings.
- Package dressing separately for a gourmet office lunch.
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete protein-packed meal.
Variation
Use toasted walnuts or sliced almonds if pecans are unavailable.
Storage & Reheating
The assembled salad is best eaten immediately. The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients separately, but do not combine the dressing with the spinach until right before serving to avoid wilting.
What is the best way to slice strawberries for this salad?
Hulled and sliced vertically into 1/4 inch thick pieces provides the best surface area for catching the dressing.
How do I ensure the pecans don't stick together?
Spread the candied pecans out in a single layer on parchment paper immediately after removing them from the heat.
Is this strawberry spinach salad healthy?
Yes, it is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
No, frozen strawberries will become mushy as they thaw; fresh berries are essential for the texture of this salad.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Baby kale or arugula are excellent substitutes that provide a slightly different peppery or earthy flavor.
You might also love
Browse all recipes
Dinner · Side Dish · Comfort Food
Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
50 min4.8
Beef · Main Dish · Grilling
Balsamic Glazed Steak Skewers with Blackberry Relish
30 min4.5
Dinner · Pork
Blackberry Thyme Glazed Pork Chops
30 min4.7
Appetizer · Side Dish
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
25 min5
Dinner · Seafood · Sandwiches
Lobster Rolls With Lemon Chive Butter
30 min4.8
Dinner · Side Dish · Comfort Food
Old-Fashioned Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
30 min4.4
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.