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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans

A vibrant and healthful salad featuring fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, topped with a simple dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach, washed and dried Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture.
  • 1 cup Strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup Pecans, toasted Toast the pecans to enhance flavor.
  • ¼ cup Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional) Can be omitted if desired.
  • ½ cup Feta Cheese, crumbled (optional) For extra creaminess.
Dressing Ingredients
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) Adjust sweetening to taste.
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast for about 3-5 minutes or until aromatic. Be vigilant, as burnt nuts can turn your salad bitter!
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
  3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and red onions. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
  4. Add the toasted pecans and crumbled feta. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute evenly.
  5. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. (If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.)

Notes

For added variety, substitute lemon with lime in the dressing, or opt for a balsamic reduction for a sweeter finish. You can also swap pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different texture.