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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Balsamic Dressing

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A light and refreshing summer salad featuring fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or as a side for grilled dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 1 pint strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup pecan halves (120g), candied with brown sugar and a pinch of salt
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup feta cheese (75g), crumbled
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar (80ml)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25g) for candying pecans

Instructions

  1. Candy the Pecans: Place 1 cup pecans in a dry medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar and a pinch of salt over them. Stir constantly for 5–7 minutes until sugar melts and coats the nuts in a shiny glaze. Transfer immediately to parchment paper to cool.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  3. Prep the Produce: Rinse and dry 6 cups baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice 1 pint strawberries. Thinly slice 1 small red onion if using. Crumble ½ cup feta cheese.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and red onion. Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing and gently toss with clean hands or salad tongs, being careful not to bruise the leaves.
  5. Add Pecans and Cheese: Sprinkle candied pecans and crumbled feta on top. Drizzle remaining dressing or serve extra on the side.
  6. Final Touch: Give one last gentle toss right before serving to distribute flavors.

Notes

Candy pecans carefully by stirring constantly over medium heat to avoid burning. Cool pecans on parchment paper immediately to prevent sticking. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising spinach leaves. Keep dressing and pecans separate if preparing ahead to maintain freshness and crunch. For vegan version, omit feta and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-balsamic-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/