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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A fresh, vibrant salad combining juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a colorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup pecan halves (about 120g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: crumbled feta or goat cheese, thinly sliced red onion or shallots

Instructions

  1. Candy the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add pecan halves and sugar. Stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until sugar melts and coats the nuts evenly. If using, add butter and stir until glossy. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste. Set aside.
  3. Prep the produce: Rinse and thoroughly dry baby spinach. Hull and slice strawberries. If using, thinly slice red onion or crumble cheese.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach and strawberries. Add cooled candied pecans and optional add-ins.
  5. Toss and serve: Drizzle poppy seed dressing over salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat without bruising spinach. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not dress the salad too early to prevent spinach wilting and pecans losing crunch. Candy pecans ahead and store in an airtight container for up to a week. Thoroughly dry spinach to avoid sogginess. Slice strawberries just before assembling to keep fresh texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-with-candied-pecans-easy-healthy-recipe/