Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup 84 g chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tbsp 24 g brown sugar; 2 tsp 9 g unsalted butter; 1/4 cup 60 mL light olive oil or grapeseed oil; 1/2 tsp 4 g honey (optional); 1/2 tsp 4 g poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp 4 g dijon mustard; Zest of half lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 tsp 4 g kosher salt; 8 oz 240 g fresh baby spinach, washed; 8 oz 240 g fresh strawberries, sliced; 5 oz 130 g feta cheese, crumbled; 3/4 cup candied pecans or nuts

There’s just something magical about the combo of fresh strawberries, tender spinach, and crunchy candied pecans that makes this salad irresistible. The **Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe** is fresh, vibrant, and perfect for any season — it’s a guaranteed way to brighten up your meal and impress anyone at your table.

A salad in a wooden bowl with three main layers: the bottom layer is bright green fresh spinach leaves, the middle layer has sliced red strawberries scattered evenly, and the top layer consists of crumbled white cheese and brown toasted pecans spread across the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture with some strawberries, cheese chunks, and pecans scattered around it, creating a fresh and colorful look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any salad — it’s a delicious balance of textures and flavors that always surprises people in the best way. I’ve served this at potlucks and family dinners, and it’s always the first to disappear, which tells me it’s a keeper!

Perfect Sweet and Savory Mix: The sweetness of fresh strawberries pairs wonderfully with salty feta and crunchy candied pecans.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this salad takes less than 10 minutes to prepare—ideal for busy days or last-minute guests.
Customizable: You can easily swap out nuts or cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Refreshing Dressing: The lemon poppy seed dressing adds a bright, zesty finish that ties everything together perfectly.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves forms the base layer, topped with bright red sliced strawberries evenly spread around the bowl. White small chunks of cheese are scattered between the spinach and strawberries, adding a soft texture. Dark brown nuts are sprinkled lightly over the salad, creating a crunchy contrast. A woman's hand holding a small white cup with black speckles pours a golden dressing down toward the center of the bowl. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad is all about fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Shopping tip: look for ripe strawberries and fresh baby spinach for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves spread evenly, bright red sliced strawberries arranged neatly, a small pile of crumbled white feta cheese, whole uncracked brown walnuts alongside golden candied pecans, a few bright yellow lemon halves and thin lemon zest strips, a small white ceramic bowl with pale golden light olive oil, a small white bowl filled with tiny black poppy seeds, another small white bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a third white bowl holding fine light brown granulated brown sugar, a separate small white bowl with a pat of unsalted butter, and a small cluster of coarse kosher salt crystals scattered nearby; all ingredients placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Walnuts or Pecans: They caramelize beautifully to add that signature crunch and sweet nutty flavor.
Brown Sugar: Caramelizes with nuts to give a glossy, sweet coating that’s hard to resist.
Unsalted Butter: Helps the sugar stick to the nuts without overpowering sweetness.
Light Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: A mild oil base for the dressing that won’t compete with the fresh flavors.
Honey (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Poppy Seeds: Give texture and a subtle nutty flavor in the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a gentle tang and helps bind the dressing ingredients.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Provide fresh citrus brightness that elevates the flavors.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances sweetness.
Baby Spinach: Tender and fresh, it’s the perfect base that’s mild and nutrient-rich.
Fresh Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, they’re the highlight of the salad.
Feta Cheese: Its saltiness cuts through the sweetness for a perfect harmony.
Candied Pecans or Nuts: The star crunchy topping that seals the deal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this salad depending on what I have on hand or the season—sometimes I toss in a few slices of avocado for creaminess or swap feta for goat cheese for a tangier kick. Go ahead and make this your own!

Nut Variation: I’ve tried candied almonds and even pistachios, and they all bring their own unique crunch and flavor. Pecans remain my favorite for that mellow sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option: If feta isn't your thing, try toasted pumpkin seeds instead to keep the texture contrast.
Seasonal Twist: In fall, adding dried cranberries or apple slices adds a delicious seasonal twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Candy the Pecans to Perfection

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment to avoid sticking later—that’s key. Melt the butter in a skillet on medium heat, then toss in chopped pecans and brown sugar. Stir constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes until you see that lovely caramelizing shimmer. Don’t walk away—stirring keeps the sugar from burning, which will ruin the flavor. Once done, spread the nuts evenly on the sheet to cool quickly and prevent clumping.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

While the nuts cool, create your dressing by whisking olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt together. Whisk it well until it emulsifies into a silky blend. I usually let it sit for at least 10 minutes at room temp so the flavors mingle — it really makes a difference.

Step 3: Toss Lettuce, Strawberries, Cheese, and Nuts

In a large bowl, gently toss the baby spinach with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and your cool candied pecans. Make sure your strawberries are dry when you slice — too much moisture can water down the salad. Keep the dressing separate until right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Top Tip

I’ve found that the key to this salad’s wow factor is the timing and texture contrast. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Keep Greens Dry: Spinach can get soggy quickly, so make sure to wash and spin dry thoroughly before assembling.
Caramelize Nuts Carefully: Watch the heat carefully—too high and the sugar burns, too low and it won’t caramelize.
Dressing Last Minute: Wait to add dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Layer Flavors: Toss the salad gently to distribute nuts and cheese evenly without bruising the delicate spinach.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe

strawberry spinach salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to add an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta and a few more candied pecans on top for that extra crunch and flavor burst right before serving. Sometimes a few fresh mint leaves brighten it up even more—giving a refreshing pop that pairs so well with the strawberries.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, light seafood like salmon, or even a simple crusty bread for a vegetarian meal. I often serve it alongside a chilled soup or a light pasta dish for a complete summer lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in individual glasses or pretty bowls layered to show off the vibrant strawberry and spinach colors. A drizzle of dressing artfully swirled on top adds a touch of elegance. It’s an easy way to wow guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store the salad components separately—the undressed spinach and strawberries in one container, and the candied pecans in another. Mixed together with dressing, leftovers tend to get soggy pretty fast.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because fresh greens and strawberries lose their texture. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best experience instead of freezing.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating isn’t needed. Just add dressing and toss fresh before serving any leftovers to keep everything bright and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the candied pecans ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the candied pecans up to 3 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese or blue cheese are great substitutes that add a creamy, tangy flavor. For dairy-free options, toasted pumpkin seeds or avocado slices work well too.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It is, but I recommend keeping the dressing and candied nuts separate until serving day to avoid soggy spinach and maintain crunch.

Can I substitute other greens for spinach?

Yes! Baby arugula or mixed salad greens also work beautifully, adding a different flavor profile but keeping the fresh, tender texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something light, flavorful, and a little fancy without the fuss. It’s simple, yet full of personality, and always a treat to share. Trust me, once you try making it, you’ll keep coming back to it — your taste buds and guests will thank you!