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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the perfect summer side. Featuring feta, homemade balsamic vinaigrette, and sweet candied nuts. Get the recipe!

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans

A fresh, vibrant salad featuring crisp baby spinach, sweet fresh strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a perfectly balanced homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 215
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 6 cups baby spinach washed and thoroughly dried
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled from a block
Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil high quality
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard acts as emulsifier
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked

Method
 

  1. In a small mason jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a medium bowl), combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds (or whisk rapidly) until the dressing is completely emulsified and slightly thickened. Set aside at room temperature.
  2. In a large, wide serving bowl, create an even bed with the washed and thoroughly dried baby spinach leaves.
  3. Scatter the freshly sliced strawberries evenly over the spinach base. Top with the crumbled feta cheese and the roughly chopped candied pecans.
  4. Bring the undressed salad to the table. Immediately before serving, lightly drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the top. Using two large spoons, gently lift and fold the salad to coat the leaves evenly, being careful not to crush the strawberries. Serve immediately.

Notes

Expert Tip: Proper drying of the spinach is critical. If your greens are wet, the oil-based vinaigrette will slide right off the leaves and pool at the bottom of the bowl, resulting in a soggy, flavorless salad. Use a salad spinner for best results.