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Crispy Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans and Easy Poppy Seed Dressing

crispy strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A fresh and festive salad combining crisp baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g), washed and dried
  • 1 pint strawberries (about 450g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup pecans (120g), roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (30ml), plain
  • 1 tablespoon honey (20g)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (3g)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5ml)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: crumbled feta or goat cheese

Instructions

  1. Candy the Pecans (10 minutes): In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add 1 cup chopped pecans and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir constantly for about 4-5 minutes until pecans are glossy and caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Adjust sweetness or tang to your liking. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prep the Produce (5 minutes): Rinse and dry 6 cups baby spinach thoroughly. Hull and slice 1 pint strawberries into thin slices.
  4. Assemble the Salad (5 minutes): In a large bowl, gently toss spinach, sliced strawberries, and candied pecans. Drizzle dressing over the top (start with half and add more if needed). Toss lightly to coat evenly without bruising the leaves.
  5. Optional finishing touch: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy contrast.
  6. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Dress just before serving to keep spinach crisp.

Notes

Candy pecans over medium heat with constant stirring to avoid burning. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness and tang. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising spinach. Dress salad just before serving for best texture. Candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-easy-poppy-seed-dressing/