Description
Looking for a tasty and healthy meal option? Try our delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe today! Discover the perfect blend of flavors and nutrients in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and thoroughly dried
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup candied pecans (see recipe below)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Candied Pecans Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until it begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Add the pecans and a pinch of salt, then toss to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the nuts are fragrant and the sugar mixture has caramelized around them. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper to cool completely, separating any pieces that stick together.
- Step 2: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using). Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified, or seal the jar and shake well. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop while you assemble the salad.
- Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients Hull and slice your strawberries into even, 1/4-inch thick slices. Thinly slice the red onion – for a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. If using avocado, dice it just before assembling to prevent browning.
- Step 4: Assemble Your Strawberry Spinach Salad Place the clean, dry spinach in a large serving bowl. Arrange the sliced strawberries, red onion, and diced avocado (if using) over the spinach. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the top, followed by the cooled candied pecans. For the most beautiful presentation, don’t toss the salad before bringing it to the table.
- Step 5: Dress and Serve Just before serving, give your dressing a final whisk or shake, then either drizzle it over the entire salad or serve it on the side to allow guests to dress their own portions. If dressing the entire salad, start with about half the dressing, toss gently, then add more as needed. The delicate spinach leaves can become soggy if over-dressed.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg