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

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A refreshing and colorful summer salad combining fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for light meals, picnics, and barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180 grams), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300 grams), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup candied pecans (about 120 grams)
  • ¼ cup red onion (about 40 grams), thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 grams)
  • Poppy Seed Dressing:
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (120 ml, plain, full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For candied pecans:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
  • 1 cup pecan halves (120 grams)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves and turns golden brown.
  2. Add 1 cup pecan halves and a pinch of salt; toss to coat. Spread pecans on parchment paper to cool and harden.
  3. Wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  4. Hull and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice about ¼ cup red onion and set aside.
  5. Make the poppy seed dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  6. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Roughly chop the cooled candied pecans and add to the salad bowl.
  8. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss using salad tongs or spoons until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the berries.
  9. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture, or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

Notes

Be patient when candying pecans to avoid burning. Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising strawberries. For best texture, serve salad immediately or within 30 minutes. Dressing can be made dairy-free by substituting Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and honey with maple syrup. Nut-free option: replace candied pecans with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition

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

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