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

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A light and refreshing summer salad combining fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for quick meals and crowd-pleasing occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180 g), washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300 g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup candied pecans (about 120 g)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 g)
  • Poppy Seed Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (120 ml)
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (45 ml)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (30 ml)
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds (15 ml)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Candied Pecans (if making from scratch):
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 1 cup pecans, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir frequently for about 5–7 minutes until nuts are glossy and sugar is melted. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
  2. Wash and dry spinach thoroughly, using a salad spinner or patting dry with towels to avoid sogginess.
  3. Hull and slice strawberries evenly about 1/4-inch thick. Thinly slice red onion and set aside.
  4. Make the poppy seed dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  5. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Add cooled candied pecans to the salad and toss gently.
  7. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Add dressing gradually as needed.
  8. Serve immediately to keep pecans crunchy and greens crisp.

Notes

Do not dress the spinach too early to avoid wilting. Candy pecans over moderate heat and stir often to prevent burning. Dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; stir before use if thickened. For dairy-free, substitute feta with avocado or vegan cheese and use dairy-free mayo or coconut yogurt. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained. Store leftover components separately to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad

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