Description
A vibrant salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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