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Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans

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A vibrant and easy-to-make salad combining fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, and crunchy candied pecans, tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (180g) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (120g) pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (21g) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) thinly sliced red onion

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and granulated sugar. Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until sugar melts and coats pecans evenly. Transfer pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. Break apart if pecans stick together once cool.
  2. Rinse baby spinach under cold water. Spin dry or pat with paper towels until crisp. Place in a large salad bowl.
  3. Hull and slice fresh strawberries. Add gently to the spinach to avoid bruising.
  4. If using, thinly slice red onion, rinse under cold water to mellow sharpness, then add to the bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  6. Drizzle dressing over spinach, strawberries, and onion. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Sprinkle cooled candied pecans on top just before serving.
  8. Serve immediately to keep candied pecans crispy and spinach fresh.

Notes

Candy pecans carefully on medium heat to avoid burning sugar. Use a salad spinner or pat spinach dry to prevent soggy salad. Toss salad just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crunchy. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use coconut sugar for candying pecans. Candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/fresh-strawberry-spinach-salad-with-candied-pecans-best-easy-recipe-ideas/