Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite salad: the Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad! It’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate! The fresh spinach combines beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries and crunchy, toasted pecans. And don’t even get me started on the creamy feta cheese that adds just the right amount of richness! I whip this salad up whenever I want something refreshing and light, especially during those warm summer days. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser at picnics and family gatherings. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can toss it together and enjoy all those delightful flavors!
Ingredients for Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted in a skillet for extra crunch
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled for a creamy finish
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or more to taste for that perfect tangy kick
How to Prepare Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad
Making this delightful Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad is super simple! Let’s dive into the steps that will have you enjoying this fresh dish in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, wash and dry your spinach leaves thoroughly. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it makes things so much easier and ensures they’re nice and crisp!
- Next, take your fresh strawberries and slice them up. You want them to be bite-sized so they’re easy to enjoy with each forkful.
- Now, let’s toast those pecans! In a skillet over medium heat, add the pecans and toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant. This step really enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch!
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted pecans. It’s a beautiful mix already, but we’re not done yet!
- Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the top—start with 1/4 cup and feel free to adjust to your taste. Toss everything together gently; you want to coat the leaves without bruising them.
- Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. This adds that creamy tang that perfectly balances all the flavors!
And there you have it! A vibrant, fresh salad ready to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly refreshing, perfect for warm days!
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Nutritious and packed with vitamins from fresh spinach and strawberries.
- The crunchy pecans add texture and healthy fats.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
Tips for Success
To make your Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad truly shine, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! Always opt for the freshest strawberries you can find; they’ll elevate the sweetness and flavor of the salad. Don’t skip toasting the pecans—it really brings out their natural oils and adds that irresistible crunch. And when it comes to the balsamic vinaigrette, start with a little and taste as you go; you want just the right amount of tang without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this scrumptious Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad, you’re treating yourself to a deliciously healthy dish! Each serving is approximately 180 calories, with 12g of fat (including just 2g of saturated fat), 4g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get 3g of fiber to help keep you feeling full! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they reflect the nutritious goodness packed into every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components of the Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad ahead of time. Just wash and dry the spinach, slice the strawberries, and toast the pecans. However, I recommend combining everything and adding the dressing right before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp. If you need to assemble it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to dig in.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a change, there are plenty of delicious alternatives! Crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy tang, while shredded mozzarella offers a milder flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to give it that cheesy vibe without the dairy.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the spinach may wilt, especially if it’s dressed. To keep it fresh, I suggest storing the dressing separately and combining it with the salad when you’re ready to enjoy it again. It should stay good for about 1-2 days!
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a light yet satisfying meal. It also makes a great side for BBQs or picnics! For a refreshing drink, try it with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea—the perfect complement to all those vibrant flavors!
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Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of strawberries, the crunch of pecans, and the freshness of spinach.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves.
- Slice the strawberries and set aside.
- Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Top with feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Toast pecans for added crunch.
- Adjust dressing quantity to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad