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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A vibrant and fresh summer salad featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese, tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 170g)
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 300g)
  • 1 cup pecans (120g), preferably halves
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (115g)
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (about half a small onion)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (45ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and sugar. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until sugar melts and coats pecans evenly. Avoid burning by lowering heat if needed. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool and harden.
  2. Wash and dry spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or pat dry with towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Hull and slice strawberries thinly. Slice red onion into very thin rings or half-moons.
  4. Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle half the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Add candied pecans last and toss lightly to keep them crunchy.
  7. Serve immediately for best freshness. If storing, keep dressing separate and add pecans just before serving.

Notes

Constant stirring and moderate heat are key to prevent burning candied pecans. Toss salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp and pecans crunchy. For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute goat cheese with vegan cheese and honey with maple syrup or agave. Store leftover components separately and add dressing and pecans just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, goat cheese salad, summer salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe

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