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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Feta and Candied Pecans

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A light and satisfying summer salad combining fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy candied pecans with a tangy-sweet homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup candied pecans (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • For the dressing:
  • 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
  • For homemade candied pecans (optional):
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans (if making at home): Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss pecan halves with sugar and salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  2. Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces; quarter if large.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes if a milder flavor is desired, then drain.
  5. Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat without bruising the spinach leaves.
  8. Sprinkle the candied pecans on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Notes

If short on time, use store-bought candied pecans. Keep dressing separate until just before serving to avoid soggy spinach. Use gentle folding to prevent bruising leaves. For vegan version, substitute feta with avocado or marinated tofu and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-feta-and-candied-pecans-easy-perfect-summer-dish/