Imagine a vibrant bed of tender baby spinach leaves, each one glistening with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, then sprinkled with juicy, ruby-red strawberry slices that burst with sun-kissed sweetness. Golden candied pecans, kissed by buttery brown sugar caramel, add a playful crunch that dances on your tongue, while creamy goat cheese crumbles lend a delightful, tangy creaminess to every bite. This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a celebration of textures and tastes—crisp, sweet, nutty, and savory—designed to brighten any meal with refreshing flavors and simple elegance. Ready in minutes, it transforms any table into an effortless garden-fresh fiesta!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten your day.
- Crispy candied pecans add a delightful crunch.
- Loaded with nutrients from spinach and strawberries.
- Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion.
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory with creamy cheese.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 13 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Chilled with dressing added just before serving |
Ingredients
Here are the delicious ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Strawberry Spinach Salad!
- 2 tbsp butter – for caramelizing the pecans
- 1 cup pecans – for a sweet crunch
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – to sweeten the pecans
- 6 oz spinach leaves – the fresh base of the salad
- 1½ cups strawberries – sliced and sweetened
- ¼ cup goat cheese – or use feta cheese for a different flavor
- Balsamic vinaigrette – Litehouse recommended for dressing
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
This delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 3 minutes, you’ll have this refreshing dish ready in no time. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving for the best crunch!
Step 1: Melt Butter
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add Pecans and Sugar
Add the pecans and brown sugar, stirring to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Cook Until Caramelized
Cook the mixture until the sugar caramelizes, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Cool the Pecans
Spread the pecans on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet to cool.
Step 5: Layer the Salad
In a salad bowl, layer the spinach leaves, strawberries, goat cheese, and cooled pecans.
Step 6: Add Vinaigrette
Add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Choose fresh, vibrant spinach for the best flavor.
- Opt for ripe strawberries for natural sweetness.
- Let the candied pecans cool completely for a perfect crunch.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta for a unique twist.
How to Serve this Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Top with sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Enjoy as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner.
- Perfect for picnics or potlucks—just pack the dressing separately!
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Strawberry Spinach Salad for later enjoyment:
Storing Strawberry Spinach Salad Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Separate dressing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad.
- Fresh ingredients lose texture and flavor when frozen.
- Consider freezing only the candied pecans separately.
Reheating Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Reheating is not necessary; serve cold.
- If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Mix in dressing just before serving for best taste.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pecans and brown sugar, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Cook the mixture until the sugar caramelizes, about 3 minutes.
- Spread the pecans on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet to cool.
- In a salad bowl, layer the spinach leaves, strawberries, goat cheese, and cooled pecans.
- Add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbs | 30g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re caramelizing them as some nuts may cook faster than others.
2. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute when making the candied pecans.
3. Can I prepare the salad in advance?
While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp. You can store the candied pecans and dressing separately until you’re ready to enjoy the salad.
4. What dressing pairs well with this salad?
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic choice for this salad, but you can also try a honey mustard dressing or a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing twist. Just make sure to dress the salad right before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the delightful crunch of this Strawberry Spinach Salad! With its sweet candied pecans and creamy cheese, it’s a simple yet rewarding dish that brings joy to any table. So gather your ingredients, toss it all together, and enjoy a burst of flavor that’s sure to brighten your day. Happy eating!