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

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A vibrant and fresh salad combining baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and sweet crunchy candied pecans, all tossed in a creamy tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a quick side or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup pecan halves (120g), for candied pecans
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g), for candying the pecans
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), melted
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (80ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (40ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (9g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup pecans, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir frequently as the sugar melts and coats the pecans, about 5-7 minutes. When glossy and nutty smelling, transfer to parchment paper to cool completely.
  2. Slice the strawberries: Rinse and dry 1 pint fresh strawberries. Hull and slice thinly, about 1/4-inch thick.
  3. Wash and dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watering down the salad.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and cooled candied pecans. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use medium heat and stir constantly when candying pecans to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. Dressing can be thinned with a teaspoon of water or more vinegar if desired. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Candied pecans and dressing can be prepared ahead and stored separately to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, quick salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe

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