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

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A bright, refreshing salad combining fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, crunchy homemade candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 pint (about 12 oz or 340 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup (75 g) feta cheese, crumbled (can substitute goat cheese or omit for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (120 g) pecans, halves or chopped, fresh and unsalted
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar (can use coconut sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise, full-fat
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) plain Greek yogurt (can use dairy-free yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in sugar and salt until bubbling and sugar starts to dissolve.
  2. Add pecans and toss to coat evenly. Cook and stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until nuts are glossy and toasted.
  3. Transfer pecans immediately to a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet to cool, separating them to prevent clumping.
  4. Wash and prep salad ingredients: rinse and dry baby spinach thoroughly, hull and slice strawberries, thinly slice red onion if using, and crumble feta cheese.
  5. Make the poppy seed dressing: whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  6. Assemble the salad: gently toss spinach, strawberries, and red onion in a large bowl.
  7. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat.
  8. Add crumbled feta and candied pecans on top.
  9. Serve with remaining dressing on the side or extra for guests to drizzle. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor. Candied pecans keep their crunch best if added just before serving. Dressing can be thinned with a splash of water or milk if desired. Spinach should be dried well to avoid sogginess. For vegan version, use plant-based mayo and yogurt and omit cheese or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

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

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