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Fresh Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Easy Candied Pecans

fresh strawberry avocado spinach salad - featured image
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A fresh, colorful salad combining juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, tender spinach, and sweet crunchy candied pecans, perfect for spring and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • A pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the pecans and brown sugar, stirring constantly. Sprinkle a pinch of salt. Stir for 3 to 5 minutes until pecans are glossy and caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden.
  2. Wash and prep the produce: Rinse and dry baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries. Dice avocado just before assembling. Thinly slice red onion if using.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined and slightly thickened.
  4. Assemble the salad: Toss baby spinach with dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated. Gently fold in strawberries, avocado, and red onion slices. Sprinkle cooled candied pecans on top.
  5. Final touches: Toss gently before serving to distribute pecans without mashing avocado. Serve immediately.

Notes

Candy pecans a day ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature to save time. Dice avocado just before serving to prevent browning; toss with lemon juice if prepping early. Dress salad just before serving to avoid wilting spinach. Brown sugar adds depth to candied pecans; avoid substituting with regular sugar for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, avocado salad, spinach salad, candied pecans, fresh salad, summer salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-strawberry-avocado-spinach-salad-recipe-with-easy-candied-pecans/