Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad (Printer-Friendly)

Fresh baby spinach tossed with juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette in 15 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
02 - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
03 - 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
04 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)

→ Balsamic Vinaigrette

06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
02 - Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and cooled toasted pecans.
04 - Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Strawberries and balsamic together taste like a secret handshake between sweet and tangy.
  • Zero cooking means you can throw this together while your guests are literally walking through the door.
  • The pecan crunch against tender spinach is the kind of contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
02 -
  • Dress this salad right before eating because the spinach wilts fast once the acid in the vinaigrette hits it.
  • Toasting pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes transforms them from fine to extraordinary, but walk away and they burn in seconds.
03 -
  • A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished salad right before serving makes the strawberry flavor explode in a way regular table salt cannot.
  • If you want the pecans to really stand out, toss them in half a teaspoon of warm honey right after toasting so they get a sticky, caramelized edge.

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