Description
This colorful salad combines fresh strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy feta cheese with a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing, perfect for any occasion.
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: In a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugar melts. Add 1 cup of pecan halves and stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Whisk up the poppy seed dressing: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of neutral oil, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Prepare your salad components: Wash and dry the baby spinach. Hull and slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the optional red onion and crumble the optional feta cheese.
- Combine everything: In a large salad bowl, mix the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and optional red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Add the candied pecans and sprinkle feta cheese on top right before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately after assembling. Store ingredients separately if preparing in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: strawberry salad, spinach salad, salad recipe, healthy salad, summer salad