If you’re looking for a salad that’s not just a side dish but a refreshing experience, you’ve got to try my spinach strawberry salad with pecans! It’s bright, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh spinach and juicy strawberries is a match made in heaven, while the crunchy pecans add that delightful texture you didn’t know you needed. Trust me, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side for dinner parties. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, making it a go-to for those busy weeknights. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup sliced strawberries, hulled and cut
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or to taste
How to Prepare the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
First things first, let’s get that spinach ready! Start by giving the leaves a good rinse under cold water to wash away any dirt or grit. I like to fill a large bowl with water and let the spinach soak for a minute or two. This helps to loosen any stubborn bits of soil. After soaking, gently lift the spinach out and place it in a salad spinner or on a clean kitchen towel to dry. You want those leaves nice and crisp for the salad, so make sure they’re not wet!
Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Now, onto the strawberries! Grab your sharp knife and slice off the green tops. Then, cut the strawberries into thin slices—about a quarter inch thick works well. This not only makes them easier to eat but also allows them to showcase their beautiful color and sweetness in the salad. Wow, they smell amazing already, don’t you think?
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring everything together! Start by adding the freshly washed spinach, sliced strawberries, and chopped pecans. I love the crunch of the pecans against the tender spinach and juicy strawberries. It’s like a party in a bowl! Just gently mix them up a bit to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Next, let’s add that delicious feta cheese. Sprinkle the crumbled feta right on top of the salad. The creamy, tangy flavor of the feta perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and crunchy pecans. Don’t be shy—add as much or as little as you like! It’s your salad!
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Now, it’s dressing time! Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. I usually start with about a quarter cup, but feel free to adjust to your taste. The vinaigrette adds that perfect zing and ties all the flavors together. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away, so start light!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Finally, it’s time for the grand finale—give everything a gentle toss! Use your hands or a pair of salad tongs to mix the ingredients together, being careful not to bruise the strawberries. Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor. Trust me, this salad is best enjoyed right after you make it, so dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—ready in just 10 minutes!
- Fresh and vibrant flavors that scream spring and summer.
- The perfect balance of sweet strawberries and crunchy pecans for a delightful texture.
- Light and healthy, making it a great choice for lunch or as a side dish.
- Versatile enough to customize—add grilled chicken for a protein boost or swap out the feta for goat cheese!
- Visually stunning, so it’s sure to impress at gatherings and dinner parties.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it fresh or store leftovers for the next day!
Tips for Success
To make your spinach strawberry salad with pecans absolutely delightful, here are some of my top tips for success! Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your salad game.
- Fresh is Best: Always use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find. Look for vibrant green spinach and plump, fragrant strawberries. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor!
- Chill Your Ingredients: If you have time, chill your salad bowl in the fridge before mixing everything together. This helps keep your salad crisp and refreshing, especially on a warm day.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each nut brings a different flavor and texture—just keep it crunchy!
- Toss Gently: When combining your ingredients, use a gentle hand to avoid bruising the strawberries. You want to keep that lovely presentation intact!
- Dress It Right: Start with less dressing and add more according to your taste. You can always add more, but it’s tough to fix an overly soggy salad!
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. They pair beautifully with the greens and strawberries, making it even more satisfying.
- Make It Ahead: If you’re prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and toss it just before serving. This keeps the spinach from wilting and ensures maximum freshness.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors! Add toasted sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a unique twist.
With these tips, you’re all set to impress everyone with your amazing spinach strawberry salad with pecans! Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my refreshing spinach strawberry salad with pecans. It’s always good to know what you’re eating, right? This salad is not only delicious but also pretty nutritious!
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—this salad is a tasty and wholesome choice for any meal! Enjoy the goodness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my spinach strawberry salad with pecans? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re whipping up this refreshing dish.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh!
What other fruits can I add to the salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced apples for a different twist. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying without the dairy!
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Sure thing! While balsamic vinaigrette is my favorite, you can experiment with honey mustard, poppy seed, or even a citrus vinaigrette. Just pick a dressing that you love!
How long will leftovers last?
If stored properly in the fridge, your salad will stay fresh for about a day. However, keep in mind that the spinach may wilt over time, so it’s best enjoyed right after making it!
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a side for a hearty sandwich. It’s versatile enough to complement many main dishes!
Can I add nuts other than pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. Each nut adds its own flair and crunch, so go with what you love!
I hope these FAQs help you create the perfect spinach strawberry salad with pecans! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
We all know that salads are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers of my spinach strawberry salad with pecans, don’t worry! Here’s how to store them properly and keep them as tasty as possible.
First up, for storage: place any leftover salad in an airtight container. If you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best to eat it within a day, as the spinach will start to wilt and lose that lovely crispness. If you want to keep your salad fresh for longer, store the spinach, strawberries, and pecans separately from the dressing. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can just toss everything together and add the dressing right before serving!
As for reheating, there’s really no need to heat a salad like this one. In fact, serving it chilled is part of what makes it so refreshing! If you find yourself in a situation where you need to warm up something else to go with your salad, just keep the salad out of the oven or microwave. Trust me, it’s all about that fresh, crunchy goodness!
So, enjoy every last bite, and don’t forget to savor that vibrant flavor combo, even if it’s the next day!
Print
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans: 5 Fresh Reasons to Love
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing spinach strawberry salad with pecans.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves.
- Slice the strawberries.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
- Add feta cheese on top.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust dressing to taste.
- Can add grilled chicken for protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spinach, strawberry, salad, pecans
