Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the best way to enjoy a fresh, summery meal in minutes. After making this salad dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it crispy is to dress it just before serving. Keep reading for more tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Cherry Blossom Cookies and Crockpot Taco Spaghetti.
Why This Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- It's crispy and fresh, perfect for summer cookouts
- The sweet and tangy dressing balances the earthy spinach and crunchy pecans
- It's ready in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner
- This salad is versatile – serve it as a side or a light main dish
What You'll Need for Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- spinach: Make sure to wash and dry your spinach thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen ones can make the salad watery.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Salad Spinner — Keeps your spinach crispy and dry → See on Amazon
- High-quality Olive Oil — Enhances the flavor of the dressing → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, red onion (if using), and bacon (if using).
- Dress the salad: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
- : For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or tofu.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't dress the salad too early, or it will become soggy. Dress it just before serving.
- : To make ahead, prepare the dressing and store the salad ingredients separately. Combine and dress just before serving.
Storing & Reheating Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Make-ahead tip: Prepare salad ingredients and dressing up to 1 day ahead. Combine and dress just before serving.
Freezing Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach with kale for a heartier salad.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your salad is too dry, add a bit more olive oil to the dressing.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, red onion (if using), and bacon (if using).
- Dress the salad: Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach with kale for a heartier salad.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your salad is too dry, add a bit more olive oil to the dressing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare salad ingredients and dressing up to 1 day ahead. Combine and dress just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sat. Fat: 3.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and store the salad ingredients separately. Combine and dress just before serving.
Using frozen strawberries or not washing your spinach thoroughly can make the salad watery. See ingredient notes for more tips.
Yes, add grilled chicken, tofu, or your favorite protein for a heartier meal.
Serve it with crusty bread, or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
