Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans - Dark leafy greens, juicy red strawberries, briny cheese, and candied nuts are tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing for an easy, flavorful salad that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner all season long!
When the weather gets warmer my body naturally craves lighter, fresher meals and a salad is always a good option! Of course, I enjoy a refreshing fruit salad like this watermelon salad recipe or an easy fruit salad, but sometimes I want to include more nutrients to make it a fuller meal.
So, I combine dark leafy greens WITH my fruit and then jazz it up with a tangy dressing, some cheese, and nuts!
I love the combination of spinach and strawberries which is why this spinach salad with strawberries and goat cheese is one of my favorites! The pop of red and the flavor of sweet juicy berries are even better during strawberry season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy, light, and refreshing. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this salad is light yet still hearty and satisfying.
- The colors! A beautiful salad is appealing to the eyes as much as the taste buds, and this one does not disappoint.
- Simple to prepare. If you can slice strawberries, you can make this easy spinach salad with balsamic dressing.
- Makes a great side dish or main meal. Perfect alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken and can be enjoyed for a light lunch or dinner as a meal itself.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Enjoy right away. Spinach will wilt and become soggy if it sits too long.
- Make ahead. If you plan to prepare it in advance, you can combine the spinach, strawberries, and cheese, but wait to add the dressing just before serving.
- Additional mix-ins. There are plenty of ways to make this salad your own. Add some diced avocado, and sliced red onions, or switch up the kind of dressing you use.
- Extra protein. Add slices of grilled chicken, chickpeas, or grilled salmon for a complete meal.
- No pecans? No problem. Use chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or crushed pistachios in their place.
- Swap the strawberries. Turn this salad with strawberries and pecans into a salad with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges with pecans instead!
- A different cheese. Blue cheese, Gorgonzola, or aged cheddar would be great alternatives.
Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Salad Greens: I use a bag of baby spinach for convenience because it usually comes pre-washed. You can also use any salad greens. Mixed greens, kale, arugula, etc.
- Strawberries: Wash, dry, hull, and slice. You want to make sure to pat them dry so the excess moisture doesn’t make your greens soggy.
- Cheese: Use crumbled feta or goat’s cheese. They both add a bright white addition to the dish, but the feta will be a little saltier while the goat cheese will be milder and creamier.
- Candied Pecans: For added crunch. The sweetness pairs well with the sweet strawberries and balances the tangy flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- For the Dressing: Balsamic vinegar (or glaze), extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard.
How to Make the Best Ever Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Step 1: In a large bowl, add the spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled cheese.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl (or mason jar with a lid) whisk together the balsamic, oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. If using a jar, give it a shake.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss to combine and garnish with pecans. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad with Pecans
This simple yet elegant salad goes great with grilled recipes. I like to think of this as a summer salad, so whatever you’ve got going on the barbecue will go great with this tasty side!
Things like grilled chicken thighs and spicy grilled shrimp, but you can also get fancy with a filet mignon made in a cast iron skillet.
It’s so versatile!
Recipe FAQs
Balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or a simple lemon vinaigrette all go well with a strawberry spinach salad.
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens such as arugula, kale, or mixed greens.
Yes, you can add other fruits or vegetables to your strawberry spinach salad such as blueberries, raspberries, sliced apples, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
Yes, you can add protein to your strawberry spinach salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
Some tips for serving a strawberry spinach salad at a party or gathering include keeping the dressing on the side, adding the nuts or cheese as a garnish, and using a clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors of the salad.
More Salads You’ll Love
Chia Seeds, Pomegranate, Kale Salad
When YOU make this Strawberry Salad Recipe please tag us @munchkintimeblog on Instagram, we would LOVE to see your creation!
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
Ingredients
- 5 oz spinach or baby kale, washed about 5 cups
- 1 lb strawberries washed, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup feta crumbled or goat cheese
- ¼ cup pecans candied
Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey raw
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To make this mixed salad greens and strawberry salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, start by combining some yummy mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, and crumbled cheese in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until they're well combined.
- Next, pour the dressing over the salad and give everything a good toss until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- For some added flavor and crunch, garnish the salad with some pecans. And voila! Your tasty and healthy salad is ready to be served and enjoyed!
Video
Notes
- Enjoy it right after preparing it
- Wait to add the dressing until just before serving
- Add diced avocado, sliced red onions, or switch up the dressing for variety
- Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or grilled salmon for extra protein
- Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios
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