📋 Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad Recipe

strawberry spinach pecan salad in a large bowl with flower print and wooden utensils

5 from 1 vote

📋 Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad is a healthy, simple and delicious salad, with just the right mix of sweet and tart. Toasted pecans balance the flavors of sweet strawberries and onions perfectly and it pairs well with so many salad dressings!

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword pecan, spinach, strawberry

Special Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Allergen dairy-free, gluten-free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 100kcal

Author Terri Gilson

Equipment

Ingredients

10 oz bag of baby spinach washed
¾ cup pecans halves
1 lb container of strawberries washed, hulled and sliced in quarters
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion

US Customary - Metric

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees/175 degrees C.
Add pecans in a single layer on a pie plate or baking sheet and roast for 5 to 10 minutes in preheated oven.
You can line the baking sheet/plate with parchment paper.
Mix the spinach, chopped red onion, sliced strawberries and toasted pecans together in a large bowl.
Serve with your favorite salad dressing. I love Honey Lime Cilantro!

Notes

Expert Recipe Tips:

Toast Pecans for Maximum Flavor. Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and crunch. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!

Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries. For the sweetest and juiciest salad, choose bright red, firm, and fragrant strawberries. Avoid overripe ones, as they can become mushy when mixed

Slice Onions Thinly. Red onions have a sharp bite, so slicing them super thin (or soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes) will mellow the flavor and make them more enjoyable.

Add Dressing Right Before Serving. Spinach wilts quickly when dressed. To keep the salad fresh and crisp, add dressing just before serving or serve it on the side.

Balance the Flavors. This salad is a perfect mix of sweet (strawberries), tart (dressing), crunchy (pecans), and savory (onion). If you prefer a sweeter salad, use candied pecans. For more tang, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Make It a Meal. Turn this side salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for protein, or goat cheese or feta for a creamy contrast.

Use a Salad Spinner for Crisp Spinach. To avoid a soggy salad, dry your spinach well after washing. A salad spinner is the best tool, but patting with paper towels works too.

Storage:

Store this spinach strawberry salad in an airtight container, and store both the salad and dressing in separate containers, in the fridge for up to 2 days.

These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.

Nutrition