Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing
This vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it is a burst of flavors and textures that can brighten any meal. Featuring tender baby spinach, sweet fresh strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, this salad is perfect for a summer gathering, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight dinner. The balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
The combination of ingredients in this salad brings together healthy eating and delightful flavors. Baby spinach is loaded with nutrients, while strawberries provide antioxidants and a satisfying sweetness. The candied pecans add a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the fresh ingredients, while the poppy seed dressing ties it all together with its creamy and tangy notes. This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
Moreover, the recipe is simple and quick to prepare, which means you can easily whip up a delicious and nutritious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It allows home cooks of all skill levels to shine and impress their family and friends.
How to Make Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
Let’s dive into the steps of making this delightful salad. It involves preparing the candied pecans, whisking together a dressing, and tossing everything together for a fresh and colorful salad.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 ounces baby spinach
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ of a small red onion (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare your candied pecans:
- Start by placing a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil into the skillet.
- Once the butter or oil melts, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1 cup of pecan halves into the skillet and stir them well to make sure they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the pecans look golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat.
- Spread them onto a piece of parchment paper and allow them to cool completely.
- Whisk up the poppy seed dressing:
- Take a medium-sized bowl and add ½ cup of neutral oil, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they combine and the dressing is smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.
- Prepare your salad:
- Rinse the baby spinach under cold water to remove any dirt. After washing, dry them well using a salad spinner or by patting gently with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the strawberries into quarters or halves, depending on their size.
- If you decide to use red onion, slice it thinly. If opting for feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces.
- Combine everything:
- In a large serving bowl, place the baby spinach first.
- Add in the sliced strawberries, the red onion if using, and the crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients, being careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
- Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad, then top it with the cooled candied pecans.
- Sweeten your salad experience by serving it immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
Serving your Strawberry Spinach Salad is as easy as it is delicious. It can be served as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also add other protein sources such as grilled shrimp or chickpeas if you’re looking to make it more filling.
For an elegant touch, consider garnishing the salad with a few extra whole strawberries or a sprinkle of additional poppy seeds right before serving. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving it in a large bowl, and let guests help themselves for a family-style experience.
How to Store Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
To keep any leftover salad fresh, it’s best to store the components separately. If you have extra salad, place the spinach and strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the poppy seed dressing in another container and the candied pecans in a sealed bag or jar.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply combine the spinach and strawberries, toss with the dressing, and sprinkle the candied pecans on top. However, it’s best to eat the salad sooner rather than later, as the spinach can wilt and the strawberries can lose their freshness over time.
Tips to Make Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Pick Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients directly affects the taste of the salad. Choose bright, ripe strawberries and crisp baby spinach for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pecans: Be careful not to burn the pecans when candying them. Stir constantly and keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing based on your preference. You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add More Vegetables: You can add other colorful vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or avocados to enhance the salad’s flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients in advance. Wash and dry the spinach and strawberries, and store them in the fridge. Make the dressing and pecans ahead of time to save effort when you’re ready to serve.
Variation
This Strawberry Spinach Salad can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Nuts and Seeds: Swap candied pecans for walnuts or almonds. You could also add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Cheese Options: If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese makes a great substitute. Creamy, tangy goat cheese adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Additional Fruits: Add layers of flavor by incorporating other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges.
- Vegan Version: To make a vegan version of the salad, simply omit the cheese and use a plant-based dressing instead of one with sweeteners.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries in the salad? While fresh strawberries are best for this salad, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just ensure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the salad.
2. How long can I store the poppy seed dressing? The poppy seed dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to shake or whisk it before using, as it may separate.
3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, this salad can be inspired for meal prep! Keep the dressing, candied pecans, and salad components separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep everything fresh.
4. Can I make this salad gluten-free? Absolutely! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double check that the ingredients you use, like mustard, are gluten-free.
5. What can I serve with this salad? This salad pairs well with grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or tofu. It can also accompany a variety of dishes from BBQ to light pasta meals. Enjoy!
Print
Best Strawberry Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 5–6 ounces baby spinach
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ of a small red onion (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your candied pecans: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil into the skillet. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Add 1 cup of pecan halves into the skillet and stir well to coat with the sugar mixture. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Once golden and fragrant, remove from heat and cool on parchment paper.
- Whisk up the poppy seed dressing: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of neutral oil, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until smooth and combine.
- Prepare your salad: Rinse the baby spinach under cold water and dry well. Slice the strawberries. If using, slice the red onion thinly and crumble the feta cheese.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, place the baby spinach, followed by the sliced strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss gently. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing and top with the cooled candied pecans. Serve immediately.
Notes
Choose bright, ripe strawberries and crisp baby spinach for the best flavor. Prepare the ingredients in advance to simplify serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: salad, strawberry, spinach, summer, refreshing, healthy