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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Crunchy Pecans

Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad - featured image
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A simple, refreshing summer salad combining fresh strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy toasted pecans, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for quick meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180 grams), washed and dried
  • 1 pint strawberries (about 300 grams), hulled and sliced
  • 3/4 cup pecans (about 90 grams), roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (about 75 grams), crumbled (optional)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until fully combined and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. Set aside.
  3. Slice the strawberries and onion: Hull the strawberries and cut them into thin slices. Thinly slice the red onion, keeping the slices as fine as possible to avoid overpowering the salad.
  4. Wash and dry the spinach: Rinse baby spinach leaves under cold water, then dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture can water down the dressing.
  5. Assemble the salad: In your large salad bowl, gently toss baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top, then crumble feta cheese if using.
  6. Add the dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to combine, making sure every leaf gets a touch of that tangy-sweet goodness.
  7. Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the spinach crisp and the pecans crunchy.

Notes

Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy salad. Add dressing just before serving to keep spinach crisp. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds. For vegan option, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, summer salad, pecans, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-with-crunchy-pecans-easy-recipe-for-summer-delight/