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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Easy Candied Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing

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A light and refreshing salad combining fresh strawberries, baby spinach, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves (about 180 grams), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300 grams), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup candied pecans (about 120 grams) – pecan halves coated with sugar and butter
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 grams)
  • For the poppy seed dressing:
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (80 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (15 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For candied pecans:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14 grams)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and stir until it melts and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the pecan halves and stir quickly to coat evenly. Spread pecans on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet to cool. Break apart any clusters once cooled.
  2. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  3. Prep the salad ingredients: Wash and dry baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries evenly. Thinly slice red onion if using. Crumble feta cheese.
  4. Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and half of the candied pecans. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all leaves without bruising. Add more dressing if desired.
  5. Serve and garnish: Transfer salad to serving bowl or plates. Sprinkle remaining candied pecans and crumbled feta on top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Stir candied pecans constantly to prevent burning. Prepare candied pecans and dressing ahead but keep separate until serving to maintain freshness. Dressing can sit for 10 minutes before tossing for better flavor melding. Variations include swapping nuts, using dairy-free mayo for vegan option, or adding grilled chicken or bacon for heartier salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, poppy seed dressing, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-candied-pecans-and-poppy-seed-dressing/