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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Poppy Seed Dressing and Candied Pecans

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A vibrant and refreshing salad combining fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a tangy homemade poppy seed vinaigrette. Perfect for spring and summer meals, this salad is quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 300g)
  • 1 cup candied pecans (pecan halves toasted and coated with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon)
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (about 40g)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75g), optional
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (for dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for dressing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for candying pecans)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for candying pecans)
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for candying pecans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Pecans: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup pecan halves, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until sugar melts and coats pecans evenly, turning glossy. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool without sticking.
  2. Prep the Salad Ingredients: Rinse and dry 6 cups baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice 2 cups fresh strawberries. Thinly slice ¼ cup red onion. Crumble ½ cup feta cheese if using. Place all in a large salad bowl but don’t toss yet.
  3. Make the Poppy Seed Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with a teaspoon of water if too thick.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Drizzle about half of the dressing over the spinach, strawberries, and onions. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all leaves are lightly coated. Add candied pecans and crumbled feta on top. Drizzle remaining dressing or serve on the side.
  5. Final Touch: Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. Optionally, add a few extra pecans as garnish. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Watch candied pecans closely to avoid burning; stir constantly. Dry spinach thoroughly to keep leaves crisp. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or consistency. Prepare pecans ahead and store in airtight container. Keep dressing separate if prepping salad ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, poppy seed dressing, candied pecans, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, spring salad, summer salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-poppy-seed-dressing-and-candied-pecans/