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Fresh Strawberry Feta Arugula Salad with Candied Pecans

Fresh Strawberry Feta Arugula Salad - featured image
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A bright and refreshing summer salad combining peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy feta, and sweet crunchy candied pecans, perfect for quick and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon 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 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble (about 2-3 minutes). Add the chopped pecans and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until pecans are toasted and candied. Transfer to a parchment-lined plate to cool (about 10 minutes). Watch carefully so the sugar doesn’t burn—if it sm…
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until emulsified and set aside. If you prefer a thicker dressing, add a bit more mustard or honey.
  3. Slice the Strawberries: Hull and thinly slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Try to keep slices uniform so they look pretty and distribute evenly in the salad.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Place 5 cups of fresh arugula in your large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure not to bruise the arugula leaves.
  5. Add Candied Pecans: Sprinkle the cooled candied pecans on top right before serving for maximum crunch.
  6. Final Touch: Drizzle any remaining dressing over the salad or serve on the side for guests to add more as they like.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid sogginess. Toast pecans before candying for extra flavor. Use ripe but firm strawberries to maintain texture. Serve immediately after assembling for best flavor and texture. Candied pecans can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, arugula salad, feta cheese, candied pecans, summer salad, quick salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-strawberry-feta-arugula-salad-with-candied-pecans-easy-recipe-for-summer-meals/