Strawberry Spinach Salad

Why Make This Recipe

The Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing dish that perfectly combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and strawberries. Using candied pecans adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, while the poppy seed dressing brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for a gathering, this salad fits all occasions. It is easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor.

How to Make Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 5-6 ounces baby spinach
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ of a small red onion (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Candied Pecans (If Making From Scratch)

In a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and constantly, allowing the mixture to warm up and coat the nuts. Add 1 cup of pecan halves to the skillet and continue stirring until the sugar melts and coats all the pecans, about 3-5 minutes. Once coated, quickly spread the candied pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Poppy Seed Dressing

While the pecans cool, grab a medium bowl to prepare your dressing. Whisk together ½ cup of neutral oil, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Keep whisking vigorously until the dressing is well combined and has a slightly emulsified texture.

Step 3: Prepare Your Salad Components

Now it’s time to assemble the salad. Start by washing and drying about 5-6 ounces of baby spinach thoroughly. Make sure it’s nice and dry to avoid a soggy salad. Hull 1 pound of fresh strawberries and slice them into bite-sized pieces. If you choose to include red onion for a little zing, thinly slice about ¼ of a small red onion. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble about ½ cup and set it to the side.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, optional red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Gently toss until the ingredients are mixed well. Right before serving, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad, and sprinkle the homemade candied pecans on top. Toss lightly again to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.

How to Serve Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad is best served immediately after tossing with the dressing to ensure freshness. You can present it in a large, beautiful bowl, making it look attractive at gatherings. If serving for a special occasion, consider garnishing with additional strawberries and a few extra candied pecans on top. This offering not only enhances the aesthetics but also promises more delightful bites of sweetness.

How to Store Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

If you have leftovers, store each component separately. Keep the salad, dressing, and candied pecans in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The spinach should ideally be consumed within a day for optimal crispness, while the dressing can last for about a week. Always re-whisk the dressing before serving, as separation may occur. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, assemble the salad by adding the dressing and pecans immediately before serving.

Tips to Make Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

1. Wash and Dry Spinach Properly: Make sure to wash your spinach thoroughly and dry it well. Excess moisture can make your salad soggy.
2. Customize the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the dressing by using more or less sugar or by substituting with your preferred sweetener.
3. Chill Your Ingredients: For a cooler salad, you can chill your spinach, strawberries, and the dressing before mixing them.
4. Experiment with Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, consider using walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different spin.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the flavor. Try to use seasonal strawberries for the best results.

Variation

You can easily customize this salad in several ways:

• Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Change Up the Dressing: Swap the poppy seed dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing for a different twist.
• Add More Fruits: Incorporate other fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even avocado for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the spinach and strawberries separately, and mix the dressing and pecans just before serving.

2. What can I use instead of pecans?

If you are allergic or simply don’t like pecans, other nuts such as walnuts or almonds work well. You can even use seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch.

3. Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Yes, to make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based sweetener in the dressing.

By following this detailed guide, you can create the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing with ease. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the fun of bringing this delightful dish to your table!

Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

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• Author: olivia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing salad that combines sweet strawberries, savory spinach, and crunchy candied pecans with a creamy poppy seed dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5–6 ounces baby spinach
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ of a small red onion (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your candied pecans (if making from scratch). In a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and constantly, allowing the mixture to warm up and coat the nuts. Add 1 cup of pecan halves to the skillet and continue stirring until the sugar melts and coats all the pecans, about 3-5 minutes. Once coated, quickly spread the candied pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
2. Whisk up the poppy seed dressing. While the pecans cool, grab a medium bowl to prepare your dressing. Whisk together ½ cup of neutral oil, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Keep whisking vigorously until the dressing is well combined and has a slightly emulsified texture.
3. Prepare your salad components. Start by washing and drying about 5-6 ounces of baby spinach thoroughly. Hull 1 pound of fresh strawberries and slice them into bite-sized pieces. If you choose to include red onion, thinly slice about ¼ of a small red onion. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble about ½ cup and set it aside.
4. Combine everything. In a large salad bowl, add the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, optional red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Gently toss until the ingredients are mixed well. Right before serving, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad, and sprinkle the homemade candied pecans on top. Toss lightly again to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.

Notes

Best served immediately for optimal freshness. Store salad components separately if you have leftovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg