![- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced Fresh produce is key in this salad. Spinach gives a nice green base. Strawberries add sweetness and color. Red onion brings a bit of sharpness that balances the flavors. Together, they create a fresh and vibrant mix. - 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled Nuts and cheese add texture and flavor. Pecans, when toasted, become crunchy and rich. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element. This mix makes every bite exciting and satisfying. - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Dressings tie the salad together. Balsamic vinegar gives a tangy bite. Honey adds a touch of sweetness. Olive oil brings smoothness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Whisking the Dressing To start, you need to make the dressing. In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. I like to use a whisk for this. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. After mixing, season it with salt and pepper to your taste. Set the dressing aside for later. Toasting the Pecans Next, let’s toast the pecans. Take a dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans to the skillet. Stir them often. Toast for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they smell fragrant and look golden brown. This step makes the pecans crunchy and brings out their rich flavor. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Combining Vegetables and Nuts Now, it’s time to assemble your salad. Grab a large mixing bowl. In the bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and the toasted pecans. Gently mix everything together. This combination gives you a mix of textures and flavors. The spinach is crisp, while the strawberries add sweetness. Adding the Cheese After mixing the veggies and nuts, it’s time for cheese. Take the crumbled feta cheese and gently fold it into the salad. The feta adds a salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Be careful not to break the cheese too much; you want those nice, creamy chunks. Dressing the Salad With everything mixed, it’s time to dress the salad. Drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients. Make sure every bite will have that delicious flavor. Serving Suggestions For serving, you can transfer the salad to a large platter or individual bowls. I like to garnish it with extra strawberry slices and a few whole pecans on top. This adds a lovely look. You can also drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze for a special touch. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Toasting pecans brings out their rich flavor. The heat makes them crunchy and tasty. It only takes about 4-5 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning. If you don't have pecans, try walnuts or almonds. These nuts add good taste and texture too. You can change the dressing for new flavors. Try lemon juice or yogurt for a lighter taste. Both add a nice zing. If you want a sweet touch, use maple syrup instead of honey. Balancing the flavors is key. Mix sweet, tangy, and salty for a perfect bite. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The fresh flavors work great together. For a nice look, serve it in a big bowl. Garnish with extra strawberries and whole pecans. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds flair. Make it pretty for your guests! {{image_2}} You can change this salad with different fruits. Try adding blueberries for a sweet twist. Apples also work well, adding crunch and flavor. Seasonal fruits keep the salad fresh and exciting. You can also use different greens. If you want a stronger flavor, try arugula. Kale can add a hearty touch, too. Mixing greens gives your salad more color and texture. Need it gluten-free? This salad is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there. Just check any added dressings for gluten. If you're vegan, swap feta cheese for avocado. It adds creaminess and healthy fats. Use agave syrup instead of honey for the dressing. These simple swaps keep the salad tasty for everyone. For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe]. You can store your strawberry spinach pecan salad easily. - Refrigerator Storage: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. The salad will stay good for about 1-2 days in the fridge. The strawberries may lose some crunch but will still taste great. - Freezing Considerations: Freezing this salad is not recommended. The spinach and strawberries do not freeze well. They become mushy once thawed. Enjoy this salad soon after making it for the best taste. - Freshness Tips: To keep your salad fresh, add the dressing just before serving. This prevents the greens from wilting. - Shelf Life of Ingredients: Spinach stays fresh for about 5-7 days in the fridge. Strawberries last about 3-7 days, depending on ripeness. Keep pecans in a cool, dry place for up to a month. For a full recipe, check out the complete details. You can prep this salad easily. Start by washing and drying the spinach. Slice the strawberries and red onion. Toast the pecans in advance and store them in an airtight container. For the dressing, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil in a jar. Store it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh. This way, you save time and enjoy a quick meal. If you don't like feta cheese, you have options. Try using goat cheese. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Another great option is ricotta cheese, which is milder. You can also use shredded mozzarella for a different taste. For a dairy-free choice, try crumbled tofu. It soaks up the dressing well and adds protein. These swaps keep the salad tasty while fitting your dietary needs. To keep your salad fresh, store it properly. First, keep the spinach and dressing separate until serving. This prevents sogginess. Use a salad spinner to dry the greens well after washing. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Add a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This helps maintain crispness. Eat the salad within a day or two for the best taste and texture. In this blog, I shared the key ingredients for a tasty salad, including fresh produce, nuts, and dressings. You learned how to prepare and assemble the salad step-by-step. I also provided tips for toasting pecans and modifying dressings. Variations allow for seasonal ingredients and dietary needs, while storage info helps keep leftovers fresh. Overall, this salad is easy to make and customize. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to create a dish you love!](https://dailydishlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c2f62471-05ae-4dd0-b343-fd1b51ab9361-300x300.webp)
Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad
Discover the delightful Strawberry Spinach Pecan Delight, a refreshing salad bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, this healthy dish is sure to impress your guests.