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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Poppy Seed Dressing

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A fresh and vibrant salad combining crisp baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves (about 180 grams), fresh and washed
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 300 grams)
  • 1 cup candied pecans (120 grams), homemade or store-bought
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (9 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams) for candying pecans
  • 2 tablespoons water for candying pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns a light amber color (about 5 minutes). Quickly add 1 cup pecans, stirring to coat evenly. Spread the pecans on parchment paper to cool and harden. Let cool completely before adding to salad.
  2. Slice the strawberries and onion: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them thinly (about ¼-inch thick). Thinly slice ¼ of a small red onion.
  3. Make the poppy seed dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Add the candied pecans: Sprinkle the cooled pecans over the salad.
  6. Dress the salad: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss lightly but thoroughly to coat evenly. Start with half the dressing and add more if desired.
  7. Serve immediately to keep spinach crisp and pecans crunchy. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until serving.

Notes

Candy pecans just before assembling to keep them crunchy. Thinly slice strawberries for juicy bursts without overpowering spinach. Whisk honey and vinegar first to dissolve honey before adding mayo or yogurt for smooth dressing. Start with less dressing to avoid overdressing. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead. Soak red onion slices in cold water to mellow sharpness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, candied pecans, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-poppy-seed-dressing-easy-healthy-salad-ideas/