Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans — Fresh, Sweet & Simply Perfect

Adam

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans — Fresh, Sweet & Simply Perfect

A good salad should be more than greens and dressing — it should be vibrant, flavorful, and full of texture. That’s exactly what this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans delivers. 🌿🍓 Tender baby spinach forms the base, topped with juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. A light homemade honey-lemon vinaigrette ties everything together, giving the salad a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty. This dish is not only beautiful to look at, but also incredibly refreshing. It’s the kind of salad you can serve for spring picnics, summer gatherings, or as a colorful addition to your weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

🥬 Salad Base

6 cups fresh baby spinach washed and dried
2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
½ cup pecans lightly toasted
¼ red onion thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

🍯 Honey Lemon Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

Large salad bowl
Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
Whisk or fork
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Salad tongs or two large spoons

Method

Step 1 – Toast the Pecans

Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Step 2 – Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Wash and dry the spinach leaves. Slice the strawberries and red onion. Arrange the spinach in a large salad bowl and layer the strawberries, onions, and pecans on top.

Step 3 – Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 4 – Combine & Toss

Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5 – Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle feta cheese over the top and serve immediately. The creamy feta complements the sweet berries and toasted nuts perfectly.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage: Keep the salad and dressing separate if storing. The salad will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Dressing: Store in a jar for up to one week. Shake before using.

Do Not Freeze: Fresh fruit and greens will lose texture when frozen.

💡 Tip: Add the dressing only when ready to serve to keep the spinach crisp.

🥄 Variations

Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light meal.

Nut Swap: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

Vegan Option: Omit the feta or use plant-based cheese and substitute maple syrup for honey.

Berry Mix: Add blueberries or raspberries for more color.

Creamy Dressing Twist: Blend Greek yogurt into the dressing for extra creaminess.

Autumn Version: Replace strawberries with apple slices and pecans with candied walnuts.

Citrus Kick: Add orange segments and a touch of orange zest for a refreshing variation.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving.

2. How do I toast pecans without burning them?
Keep the heat moderate and stir often — they burn quickly once fragrant.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries; frozen ones become too soft once thawed.

4. What other greens work well?
You can use arugula, kale, or mixed baby greens.

5. Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
Yes — a little yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard works fine.

6. Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Try mandarins, blueberries, or apple slices.

7. How can I make the salad heartier?
Add cooked quinoa or couscous for more substance.

8. Can I use store-bought dressing?
You can, but homemade dressing gives fresher flavor and fewer additives.

9. What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve chilled or at room temperature, preferably just after tossing.

10. Can I make the dressing sugar-free?
Yes — replace honey with stevia, monk fruit, or a few drops of maple extract.

🏁 Conclusion

This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the perfect mix of fresh, crunchy, creamy, and sweet. 🍓🌿

It’s light enough for lunch, elegant enough for parties, and nourishing enough for any day. Every bite gives you the freshness of spinach, the sweetness of strawberries, the buttery crunch of pecans, and the tang of feta wrapped together by a bright honey-lemon dressing.

Simple, stunning, and endlessly satisfying — it’s a salad that feels like sunshine on a plate!