Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a spinach strawberry salad with pecans to brighten up your day! The combination of crisp, fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that’s just irresistible. I remember the first time I made this salad for a family picnic—it was a hit! Everyone was raving about how refreshing it was, and I couldn’t help but smile as I watched my kids go back for seconds. The sweet-tart strawberries paired with the nutty pecans, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, make this salad not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to eat your greens. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your table!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this spinach strawberry salad with pecans is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time. I promise, it’s as easy as tossing a few ingredients together!
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Start by rinsing and drying the fresh spinach. I like to give it a good shake to remove excess water. You want it crisp and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors!
- Next, grab your strawberries and slice them up. The sweeter, the better! I usually go for medium-sized slices to balance the texture in the salad.
- Now it’s time to toast the pecans. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, and toss in the pecans. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden. Trust me, this little step makes a world of difference in flavor!
- In a large bowl, combine the rinsed spinach, sliced strawberries, and those yummy toasted pecans. Look at those colors! It’s like a party in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top—this is where the magic happens! The creaminess of the feta pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Finally, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Don’t be shy—add as much or as little as you like! Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 10 minutes!
- Features fresh, vibrant ingredients that burst with flavor.
- Packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a light main course.
- Sweet strawberries and crunchy pecans create a delightful contrast in texture.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weekday dinner.
- Easily customizable—swap in your favorite nuts or cheese!
- Light and refreshing, perfect for warm weather or whenever you need a pick-me-up!
Tips for Success
To make sure your spinach strawberry salad with pecans comes out absolutely perfect every time, here are my best tips to keep in mind!
- Select the freshest ingredients: When you’re picking your spinach, look for vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from wilting. For strawberries, choose ones that are bright red and fragrant—this ensures they’re sweet and juicy!
- Toast those pecans: Don’t skip the toasting step! It really enhances the flavor and gives that extra crunch. Just remember to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—5 minutes is usually perfect!
- Customize your cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist. They all complement the strawberries beautifully!
- Dress it up: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat.
- Serve chilled: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so if you have time, pop it in the fridge for a bit before serving. It’s super refreshing that way!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll impress everyone with your delicious and vibrant salad! Happy tossing!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize your spinach strawberry salad with pecans! Here are some of my favorite variations that keep the flavors fresh and exciting:
- Cheese Swap: If feta isn’t your thing, try crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist or even sharp cheddar for a bit more bite. Each cheese brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries!
- Nuts Galore: While pecans are delicious, you can also use walnuts for a slightly different crunch, or even sliced almonds for a milder flavor. You might even toss in some sunflower seeds for an extra crunch!
- Fruit Fusion: Add in some sliced kiwi or mandarin oranges to give your salad a vibrant pop of color and sweetness. Dried cranberries or cherries can also add a lovely tartness that balances the dish perfectly!
- Dressing Options: If balsamic vinaigrette isn’t your go-to, try a raspberry vinaigrette for a fruity spin or a honey mustard dressing for a touch of sweetness. You could even whip up a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a zesty kick!
- Grains Boost: For a heartier salad, toss in some cooked quinoa or farro. They add a nice chewy texture and turn this salad into a filling main dish!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with whatever you have on hand. Every twist brings a new opportunity for deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your spinach strawberry salad with pecans properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), here’s how to make sure you enjoy it later:
- Refrigerate immediately: If you have any salad left, transfer it to an airtight container as soon as you can. This helps prevent the spinach from wilting and keeps those strawberries juicy!
- Consume within 1-2 days: For the best taste and texture, try to eat your leftover salad within a day or two. Fresh ingredients like spinach and strawberries start to lose their charm after a bit, so don’t wait too long!
- Keep dressing on the side: If you know you’re going to have leftovers, it’s best to store the balsamic vinaigrette separately. This way, you can drizzle it over the salad just before serving, keeping everything crisp and vibrant!
- No reheating needed: This salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge, add the dressing, give it a gentle toss, and it’s ready to enjoy!
By following these simple storage tips, you can savor every last bite of this refreshing salad without sacrificing its delightful flavors and textures!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for my delicious spinach strawberry salad with pecans. These values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, but they give you a great starting point for understanding what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so feel free to adjust as you customize this salad to your liking! It’s a light and nutritious option that’s not only packed with flavor but also great for your body. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make the spinach strawberry salad with pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to ensure the spinach stays crisp and fresh.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, walnuts or sliced almonds work great as alternatives. They’ll still give you that delightful crunch!
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Make sure to store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions that can turn this salad into a more filling main dish. Just toss them in when you’re ready to serve!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be a great option for meal prep! Just remember to store the dressing separately and add it right before eating to keep everything fresh. It’s a delicious and healthy way to kickstart your week!
For more information on the health benefits of spinach, you can check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious balsamic vinaigrette recipe, visit Food Network.
For more salad ideas, check out this EatingWell collection.
Print
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans in 10 Minutes!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad combining spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the spinach.
- 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.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 5 minutes for enhanced taste.
- Can be served as a side or main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spinach strawberry salad pecans
