There’s something so delightful about a spinach strawberry salad with pecans that just screams fresh and vibrant! Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the birds chirping, and you’re enjoying a bowl of this crisp salad that perfectly balances the sweetness of juicy strawberries with the rich crunch of toasted pecans. Trust me, it’s a match made in flavor heaven! I love whipping this up for picnics or light lunches because it’s not only refreshing but also super easy to prepare. Plus, the creamy feta adds a delightful tang that pulls everything together beautifully. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular feature on your table!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup pecans, toasted in a skillet until golden brown
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting this spinach strawberry salad with pecans ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, refreshing dish in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by washing and drying the spinach thoroughly. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it’s a real game changer! Make sure there’s no excess water, as it can dilute the dressing later.
- Next, hull and slice the strawberries. I usually aim for nice, even slices so they look pretty in the bowl and are easy to eat. Trust me, the more vibrant the strawberries, the more enticing the salad!
- Now, it’s time to toast those pecans! Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the pecans. Toss them around every minute or so, and keep an eye on them—they only need about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Wow, the smell of toasting nuts is heavenly!
- In a large bowl, combine the washed spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted pecans. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. I love the creamy texture it adds; it’s just perfection!
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad to taste. Start with a little; you can always add more if you like it tangy!
- Now, here’s the key: toss everything gently to combine, making sure all those beautiful ingredients get a little love from the dressing. Be careful not to mush the strawberries!
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the burst of flavors with each bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with fresh strawberries and creamy feta.
- Crunchy pecans add a delightful texture that makes each bite exciting.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh spinach.
- Versatile enough for any occasion—great for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch at home.
- Customizable! You can adjust the dressing to suit your taste or add other toppings like grilled chicken for extra protein.
Tips for Success
To make your spinach strawberry salad with pecans truly shine, always opt for the freshest spinach you can find—look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting. When it comes to strawberries, sweet, juicy ones will elevate your salad, so don’t hesitate to do a little taste test! Adjust the balsamic vinaigrette to your liking; start with less and add more if you prefer a tangier bite. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious spinach strawberry salad with pecans, it’s always good to keep an eye on the nutrition! Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these aren’t set in stone. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 5g
This salad is not only refreshing and tasty but also a nutritious option that fits nicely into a balanced diet! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something healthy and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, walnuts or sliced almonds work beautifully in this spinach strawberry salad. Just toast them like you would the pecans for that extra crunch!
What can I add for extra protein?
Great question! This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas if you’re looking to keep it vegetarian. Just toss them in for a heartier meal!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), I recommend storing the salad components separately. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and pecans in airtight containers in the fridge. Just toss them together again with the dressing when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but I’d recommend waiting to combine them until just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and fresh, and prevents sogginess!
What dressing alternatives can I use?
If balsamic vinaigrette isn’t your thing, feel free to experiment with other dressings! A honey mustard or poppy seed dressing adds a nice twist and complements the strawberries beautifully. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your spinach strawberry salad with pecans fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again, as this helps maintain the crispness of the spinach. You can usually keep the salad components for up to 2 days. Just give everything a gentle toss when you’re ready to serve!
Reheating isn’t necessary for this salad, as it’s best enjoyed cold. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature if it’s been stored in the fridge for a while—trust me, it tastes even better that way!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking to elevate your meal with the spinach strawberry salad with pecans, here are some delicious pairings that work wonderfully together:
- Grilled chicken breast for a protein boost
- Baked salmon, with its rich flavor complementing the salad
- Quinoa or couscous for a hearty, grain-based side
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette
- Cheese platter with assorted cheeses and fruits for a lovely appetizer
These options not only enhance the flavors of your salad but also create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress!
Imprimer
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans: 7 Flavors That Wow
- Temps Total: 15 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing spinach strawberry salad with crunchy pecans.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach.
- Slice the strawberries.
- Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
- Add feta cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to taste.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: spinach salad, strawberry salad, pecan salad
