There’s something magical about a salad that dances on the palate, marrying crisp greens with sweet bursts of fruit and nutty crunch in every bite. My Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans does exactly that—and then some! On a sunny afternoon, I found myself rummaging through my fridge, craving something light yet satisfying. I spotted a pint of plump strawberries and a bag of fresh baby spinach, and a lightbulb went off. Before I knew it, I was whipping up a vibrant salad that tasted like summer itself. Each forkful felt like a little celebration of color and texture, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it when I served it at our impromptu garden party.
This salad is deceptively simple but feels downright gourmet. You’ve got tender baby spinach leaves as your base, juicy strawberry slices for a pop of sweetness, and toasted pecans adding just the right amount of earthy crunch. Then there’s the crumbled feta and thinly sliced red onion, which bring a creamy, savory counterpoint. The pièce de résistance is a homemade balsamic-honey Dijon dressing that ties it all together with its sweet-tangy flair. Best of all, it requires zero cooking and only 15 minutes of prep—perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a fuss-free, healthy lunch or appetizer. You can toss it together right before guests arrive or let it chill for an hour to let those flavors meld beautifully. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat, you’re in for a treat. So grab your whisk and your mixing bowl, because we’re about to transform everyday ingredients into a show-stopping salad that’ll leave you—and your taste buds—grinning from ear to ear.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH PECANS
Every memorable dish begins with thoughtful ingredients. This salad leans on fresh produce and pantry staples that complement each other perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baby Spinach Leaves
These tender greens form the vibrant base of the salad. Their mild flavor and delicate texture let the other ingredients shine while adding a boost of nutrients.
- Fresh Strawberries
Sliced strawberries bring juicy sweetness and a burst of vibrant red color. Their natural sugars balance the tangy dressing and creamy cheese.
- Pecans
Toasted until lightly golden, these nuts add a rich, buttery crunch. They contrast beautifully with the soft greens and tender fruit.
- Feta Cheese
Crumbled feta contributes a creamy, slightly salty element. Its tang cuts through the sweetness and pulls all the flavors together.
- Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion introduces a subtle bite and a pop of purple hue. It layers in mild pungency without overpowering the salad.
- Balsamic Vinegar
The backbone of the dressing, its complex sweetness and tanginess enhance the strawberries and feta while adding depth.
- Honey
A natural sweetener that rounds out the balsamic’s acidity. It brings a gentle floral note to the dressing.
- Dijon Mustard
Acts as an emulsifier and adds a zesty kick. It helps the dressing cling to every piece of spinach and strawberry.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Creates a silky, luscious mouthfeel in the dressing. Its fruity undertones pair wonderfully with the balsamic and honey.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors. They ensure the salad tastes balanced and well-rounded.
HOW TO MAKE SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH PECANS
Let’s dive into the hands-on part—bringing those vibrant ingredients to life with a luscious homemade dressing and a gentle toss that yields a perfectly coated salad.
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and cohesive, with no streaks of mustard or honey visible.
2. While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a thin stream. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, emulsified dressing that won’t separate.
3. Taste the dressing, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper until it sings with balanced sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion, arranging them evenly for visual appeal.
5. Evenly drizzle the prepared balsamic-honey Dijon dressing over the salad, ensuring each corner of the bowl gets a kiss of flavor.
6. With clean hands or salad utensils, gently toss the salad in a slow, sweeping motion so every ingredient is evenly coated without bruising the delicate spinach or strawberries.
7. Pause to adjust the seasoning—add a final pinch of salt or a crack of pepper if needed to perfect the taste.
8. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest texture, or chill it in the refrigerator for up to an hour to allow the ingredients to mingle and deepen their flavors.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH PECANS
When it comes to presenting this salad, a little creativity goes a long way. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or elevating a dinner party, these ideas will make your Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans stand out:
- Accompany with Grilled Chicken or Fish
Slice gently seasoned, grilled chicken breast or flaky salmon and nestle it atop the salad for a protein boost. The lean protein turns this dish into a satisfying main course.
- Serve in Individual Mason Jars
Layer the ingredients in jars—dressing on the bottom, spinach in the middle, strawberries and cheese on top. Guests can shake their own jar to toss the salad just before eating.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle chopped mint or basil leaves over the dressed salad to impart an extra layer of aromatic freshness. The herbs brighten every bite.
- Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread
Offer slices of warm, crusty baguette or sourdough on the side. The bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover dressing and adds a rustic touch.
HOW TO STORE SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH PECANS
Keeping this salad fresh and vibrant requires a few simple steps. Follow these guidelines to ensure maximum crunch and flavor, even if you’re prepping ahead:
- Store the dressing separately in an airtight jar or container. This prevents the spinach and strawberries from wilting and staying crisp until you’re ready to dress the salad.
- Keep the undressed salad components—spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, and onion—in a sealed container in the fridge. Layer them if possible, with the leafy greens on top to minimize moisture contact.
- If you must store the fully dressed salad, use a sturdy, sealed container and plan to enjoy it within a few hours. The texture will be freshest in the first 2–4 hours.
- For longer make-ahead prep, toast and chop the nuts, slice the strawberries, and combine the dressing ingredients up to 7 days in advance. When you’re ready, assemble everything just before serving.
CONCLUSION
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is that bright, flavor-packed dish you’ll reach for again and again. From the moment you whisk together the sweet-tangy balsamic-honey Dijon dressing, you know you’re in for a treat. The tender baby spinach provides a fresh green canvas, while juicy strawberries add a burst of color and sweetness. Toasted pecans give you that satisfying crunch, and crumbled feta brings in just the right amount of creaminess and tang. Toss it all gently, and you have a showstopper that’s as perfect for a casual family lunch as it is for impressing guests at a summer soirée. With only 15 minutes of hands-on prep, zero cooking time, and an optional chill to deepen the flavors, this beginner-friendly salad proves that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary results.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you’ll want to refer back to these tips and tricks whenever the mood strikes for a fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious salad. Don’t forget that there’s a handy FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have about ingredient swaps, storage hacks, or customizing the dressing. And if you give this salad a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop your comments, questions, or feedback so we can chat more about making this summertime favorite your own.
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
Description
A colorful mix of tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and creamy feta, all tossed in a sweet-tangy balsamic-honey Dijon dressing for a light and flavor-packed salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
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Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth and emulsified dressing.
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Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.
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In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, pecans, feta cheese, and red onion.
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Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients.
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Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating of the dressing.
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Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
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Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving for enhanced flavors.
Note
- For a nuttier flavor, try using walnuts instead of pecans.
- Adding sliced avocado can offer a creamy texture to the salad.
- Consider using goat cheese as an alternative to feta for a tangy twist.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- To save time, prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
