This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans is one of my favorites because it’s so simple to make and pairs perfectly with just about anything! Especially during grilling season!
Oh how I adore strawberry season! Cheap, plump berries for all!
I love tossing fresh fruits into salads for a bright pop of color and sweet juicy flavor.
I’ll bring this salad to pot lucks or over to a friend’s house for dinner and it ALWAYS receives rave reviews.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe Video
I serve it with a balsamic vinaigrette, but I’m usually too pressed for time to make my own so I just use the bottled variety. If I’m making it to share with friends I’ll pour the dressing into a small mason jar to give the impression that I made the dressing too… is that cheating?
Look, I love a good homemade dressing, but when you’re in a pinch the store bought stuff will suffice.
I have even used store bought candied pecans to make this salad before, BUT this time I’ll show you how simple these candied pecans are to make. Technically you could make half a batch for this salad, but I double it so that I can snack on the pecans… (these are the pecans that inspired my Pralines and Cream Ice Cream Recipe too!)
Those pecans go quickly!
So does this salad.
Toppings for Strawberry Spinach Salad:
- I used soft goat cheese here, but a good feta cheese would work as well. Feta is more salty with a bit of a bite to it, where the goat cheese is more subtle in flavor with a creamy texture. Either one will work, so go with whatever tickles your taste buds!
- A thinly sliced purple onion would add great color and flavor to this salad as well!
- You can substitute the candied pecans for roasted pistachios, candied walnuts, or even sliced almonds if desired!
You’ll love every aspect of this beautiful salad, I just know it! 🙂
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans is a delicious salad that pairs perfectly with just about anything!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 6 oz baby spinach leaves
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries, stems removed
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta cheese if desired)
- balsamic vinaigrette (I used Litehouse dressing for this salad)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pecans and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook over medium heat until the sugar begins to caramelize (about 3 minutes). Spread out pecans on a wax paper lined baking sheet to cool.
- In your salad bowl layer the spinach leaves, strawberries, goat cheese and pecans. Don’t pour dressing on salad until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Keywords: strawberry, spinach, salad, pecans
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Phenomenal taste and easy to make. Made my own Tangy & Slightly Sweet Balsamic Dressing. Added avocado. Really completed a wonderful meal and the depth of taste and visual interplay of the ingredients added to this magical recipe. Thank You
★★★★★
Love this recipe! There is a similar one at a restaurant nearby and I wondered how they were making the candied pecans – so simple!!!!
★★★★★
Awesome! I’m so glad you found it! Thanks for the comment Sierra!
Delicious combination! Thanks so much for the idea.
★★★★★
You’re very welcome Susan! So glad you enjoyed it!