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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe with Candied Pecans and Easy Poppyseed Dressing for Summer

fresh strawberry spinach salad - featured image
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A light and satisfying summer salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy homemade candied pecans, and a creamy tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for quick side dishes or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Candied pecans:
  • 1 cup pecans, halves or pieces, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • A pinch of salt
  • Poppyseed dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional extras:
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

Instructions

  1. Candy the pecans: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add pecans, sugar, butter, and salt. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until sugar melts and coats pecans evenly. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the poppyseed dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened. Chill in fridge for 10 minutes.
  3. Prep the salad base: Rinse and dry spinach leaves thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently combine spinach and sliced strawberries. Add cooled candied pecans and toss lightly.
  5. Add optional cheese: Crumble feta or goat cheese over the salad if using.
  6. Dress the salad just before serving: Drizzle poppyseed dressing over salad and toss carefully to coat evenly. Start with half the dressing and add more if desired.
  7. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and toss right before serving.

Notes

Dry spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. Toast pecans before candying for extra flavor. Make dressing ahead and chill to meld flavors. Adjust honey in dressing based on strawberry sweetness. Use fresh poppy seeds for best flavor and crunch. Store candied pecans separately to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-and-easy-poppyseed-dressing-for-summer/