Description
A refreshing blend of spinach, strawberries, and candied pecans topped with creamy poppy seed dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5–6 ounces baby spinach
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ of a small red onion (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Candied Pecans: In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until combined. Toss in the pecan halves and stir until they are well coated. Continue to cook for a few minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Spread them out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Whisk Up the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the neutral oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined and emulsified.
- Prepare Your Salad Components: Rinse and dry the baby spinach leaves. Hull the strawberries, removing green tops, and slice them. If using red onion, slice it thinly.
- Combine Everything: In a large salad bowl, combine fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and optional red onion. If desired, crumble feta cheese over the top. Gently toss without bruising the spinach.
- Serve Immediately: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and sprinkle the cooled candied pecans on top. Toss gently to coat. Garnish with extra strawberries and pecans if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, consume the salad within 1-2 days. Store components separately to prevent wilting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, salad with pecans, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, quick salad