🎉 Introduction
There’s something magical about the way sweet strawberries pair with fresh spinach. Add a little crunch from toasted pecans and a creamy finish of Parmesan or feta cheese, and you’ve got a salad that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is a refreshing and colorful dish that celebrates the beauty of seasonal ingredients. Perfect for spring and summer, it’s light yet satisfying, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and a harmony of textures that make every bite a delight.
Unlike ordinary salads, this one combines the earthy freshness of baby spinach with juicy strawberries, the crunch of roasted nuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing that ties everything together. It’s easy enough for a quick weekday lunch and elegant enough for dinner parties or picnics.
The best part? You only need simple ingredients — no fancy tools or rare condiments. Whether served alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or enjoyed as a standalone meal, this salad will brighten up your table and your taste buds.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Gather these simple kitchen tools before starting to make your prep smooth and easy:
- 1 large salad bowl
- 1 small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring spoons and cups
- 1 non-stick skillet (for toasting pecans)
- 1 salad tongs or large spoon
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this fresh and flavorful Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans:
Salad Base:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup toasted pecans (halved or chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions:
- ½ avocado, sliced for creaminess
- ¼ cup dried cranberries for extra sweetness
- Grilled chicken strips or shrimp for added protein
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired — some like it tangier, others a touch sweeter. Set aside to let the flavors blend.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.
Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning, and let them cool.
Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds irresistible crunch to your salad.
Step 3: Slice the Strawberries and Onion
Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them evenly. Thinly slice the red onion for a mild bite that balances the salad’s sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add baby spinach leaves. Top with strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients without bruising the spinach.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and crisp. Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices and pecans for presentation.
For a heartier version, top with grilled chicken or shrimp — perfect for turning this salad into a full meal.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time (toasting pecans): 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
This makes a generous side salad for 4 people or a main dish for 2–3.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The dressing can be stored separately for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.
Reheating:
- This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Do not reheat, as spinach and strawberries lose their texture when warmed.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can toast the pecans and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Combine everything right before serving to keep it crisp and vibrant.
🥄 Variations
Want to switch it up? Try one of these creative twists:
- Berry Mix-Up: Add blueberries or raspberries for a multi-berry version.
- Citrus Touch: Replace strawberries with orange segments for a bright citrusy salad.
- Vegan Delight: Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.
- Creamy Dressing: Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a thicker texture.
- Savory Boost: Sprinkle roasted chickpeas or quinoa for added protein and texture.
- Autumn Twist: Replace strawberries with sliced apples and add a hint of cinnamon to the dressing.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this salad, but thawed frozen ones can work if drained thoroughly.
2. How can I make the dressing creamier?
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a creamy consistency.
3. What cheese goes best with this salad?
Both feta and Parmesan pair beautifully, but goat cheese also works for a tangy flavor.
4. How do I keep spinach fresh in the salad?
Add dressing right before serving to prevent wilting.
5. Can I substitute another vinegar for apple cider vinegar?
Yes — balsamic or white wine vinegar works great too.
6. How do I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa for a protein boost.
7. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all make tasty swaps.
8. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, just keep the dressing and toppings separate until serving.
9. What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Use a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly.
10. How do I prevent soggy spinach?
Dry the spinach completely after washing and only dress it just before eating.
🏁 Conclusion
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and texture. It’s the kind of salad that makes healthy eating feel indulgent — sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy pecans, and creamy cheese all dancing together in a tangy, homemade dressing.
Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also packed with vitamin-rich greens, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Perfect for spring picnics, light lunches, or elegant dinner parties, this salad brings a burst of color and joy to your table.
Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s guaranteed to impress with its vibrant freshness and naturally delicious balance.
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans — A Fresh, Sweet, and Crunchy Delight
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Method
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired — some like it tangier, others a touch sweeter. Set aside to let the flavors blend.
- Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning, and let them cool.
- Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds irresistible crunch to your salad.
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them evenly. Thinly slice the red onion for a mild bite that balances the salad’s sweetness.
- In a large salad bowl, add baby spinach leaves. Top with strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients without bruising the spinach.
- Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and crisp. Garnish with a few extra strawberry slices and pecans for presentation.
- For a heartier version, top with grilled chicken or shrimp — perfect for turning this salad into a full meal.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored separately for up to 5 days in a sealed jar. Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Do not reheat, as spinach and strawberries lose their texture when warmed. Make-Ahead Tip: You can toast the pecans and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Combine everything right before serving to keep it crisp and vibrant. 🥄 Variations Want to switch it up? Try one of these creative twists: Berry Mix-Up: Add blueberries or raspberries for a multi-berry version. Citrus Touch: Replace strawberries with orange segments for a bright citrusy salad. Vegan Delight: Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts. Creamy Dressing: Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a thicker texture. Savory Boost: Sprinkle roasted chickpeas or quinoa for added protein and texture. Autumn Twist: Replace strawberries with sliced apples and add a hint of cinnamon to the dressing. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for this salad, but thawed frozen ones can work if drained thoroughly. 2. How can I make the dressing creamier?
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a creamy consistency. 3. What cheese goes best with this salad?
Both feta and Parmesan pair beautifully, but goat cheese also works for a tangy flavor. 4. How do I keep spinach fresh in the salad?
Add dressing right before serving to prevent wilting. 5. Can I substitute another vinegar for apple cider vinegar?
Yes — balsamic or white wine vinegar works great too. 6. How do I make it more filling?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa for a protein boost. 7. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all make tasty swaps. 8. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, just keep the dressing and toppings separate until serving. 9. What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Use a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. 10. How do I prevent soggy spinach?
Dry the spinach completely after washing and only dress it just before eating. 🏁 Conclusion This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and texture. It’s the kind of salad that makes healthy eating feel indulgent — sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, crunchy pecans, and creamy cheese all dancing together in a tangy, homemade dressing. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also packed with vitamin-rich greens, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Perfect for spring picnics, light lunches, or elegant dinner parties, this salad brings a burst of color and joy to your table. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s guaranteed to impress with its vibrant freshness and naturally delicious balance.
