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

Bright, fresh, and bursting with textures, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of spring in every bite. The sweet strawberries perfectly complement the crunchy candied pecans and tangy feta, making it truly special.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh, vibrant salad sits on a white marbled surface. The first layer has large, dark green spinach leaves that cover the inside of the bowl. On top of the spinach, bright red sliced strawberries are spread out evenly, showing their juicy interior. Scattered among the strawberries and spinach are crunchy, dark brown pecans, adding texture. Small white crumbles of soft cheese rest on the surface, contrasting with the red and green colors. Around the bowl, a few whole strawberries and some broken white cheese blocks are placed on the white marbled surface, enhancing the fresh, natural 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 salad has been my go-to for potlucks and quick dinners alike because it’s simple but wildly satisfying. Between the freshness of the spinach and strawberries, and the sweet crunch of those homemade candied pecans, it’s the combo that never disappoints.

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet, salty, and tangy notes work together flawlessly.
Crunchy Candied Pecans: Making your own candied nuts elevates this salad beyond the ordinary.
Easy to Customize: You can swap ingredients to fit your preferences or what’s in the fridge.
Quick to Make: From prep to plate in under 10 minutes — perfect for busy days.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves forms the base layer, topped with bright red sliced strawberries scattered evenly. Small white crumbled pieces of cheese are placed over the fruit and greens, with dark brown pecans dotted throughout. A woman's hand is pouring a light yellow dressing with black pepper flecks over the salad from a small white pitcher. The bowl is set on a white marbled textured surface with a few strawberries blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe plays an important role. The spinach acts as a fresh, mild base that just lets the other flavors shine. Strawberries add juicy sweetness, and the candied pecans provide that addictive crunch with a caramelized depth.

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves neatly arranged, a cluster of ripe red strawberry halves, a small mound of crumbled white feta cheese, a small white bowl filled with golden candied pecans, whole uncracked brown walnuts scattered naturally, a small white bowl holding golden light olive oil, a few bright yellow lemon halves and a small pile of fresh lemon zest, a tiny white bowl of amber honey, a tiny white bowl of yellow dijon mustard, a sprinkle of black poppy seeds beside a small heap of coarse kosher salt, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically — all on simple white ceramic plates and bowls, perfectly balanced and symmetrical composition, placed 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: I prefer pecans here for their buttery crunch, but walnuts work well too.
Brown Sugar: This melts into the butter to create the lovely caramel flavor on the nuts.
Unsalted Butter: Helps the sugar caramelize evenly without adding unwanted saltiness.
Light Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: A neutral oil that doesn't overpower the dressing's freshness.
Honey (optional): Just a touch boosts the sweetness in the dressing without being cloying.
Poppy Seeds: Add subtle texture and a bit of nutty flavor to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and adds a slight tanginess.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Brighten the salad with refreshing citrus notes.
Kosher Salt: Crucial for bringing out all the flavors in both salad and dressing.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender and mild, it’s the perfect green for delicate berries and nuts.
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe and sliced, these add juicy bursts and their signature sweetness.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, salty contrast that complements the nuts and fruit.
Candied Pecans or Nuts: The star crunchy topping that you’ll want to make from scratch for best flavor.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap nuts or cheese depending on what I have on hand, and sometimes add a few extras like sliced red onions or avocado to amp up the flavor and texture.

Variation: When I want a dairy-free option, I swap out feta for sliced almonds or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast—it’s surprisingly tasty!
Seasonal Twist: In early spring, I sometimes add a handful of fresh peas or even blueberries for an unexpected burst of flavor.
Make it Heartier: Adding grilled chicken or quinoa turns this lively salad into a satisfying main dish.

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

Step 1: Candied Pecans Magic

I start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the pecans and brown sugar. Stirring constantly is key here because that sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in seconds. About 3-4 minutes in, you’ll see shiny, deliciously caramel-coated nuts. Spread them on parchment to cool completely — pressing into a single layer helps them crisp up and separate easily.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a bowl, I combine olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, salt, and a touch of honey if I’m feeling sweet. Whisking well until it’s emulsified always makes the dressing brighter and smoother. Letting it sit for 5-15 minutes really helps the lemon flavor bloom.

Step 3: Assemble and Toss

Using a large bowl, I mix together fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and those perfectly cooled candied pecans. I wait to dress it until just before serving so the spinach stays crisp and bright—not soggy. When you’re ready, drizzle your dressing and toss gently to coat.

Top Tip

From my many tries, I found a few little tricks that make this salad shine every time. It’s all about timing and the subtle finishing touches.

Constant Stirring for Candied Nuts: Keeps the sugar from burning and coats every nut evenly.
Let Dressing Rest: Giving it time to meld allows flavors to deepen without overwhelming the salad.
Dress at the Last Minute: Keeps your spinach crisp and the salad fresh—true game changer!
Slice Strawberries Just Before Serving: So they don’t get watery and stay at their best.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra pecans on top for a pop of good crunchiness. Sometimes, if I want an herby note, a few torn mint leaves work wonders.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light but satisfying meal. I also love serving it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf for something a bit heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged this salad in clear glass bowls to show off all those vibrant colors. Another fun idea is serving it in mini mason jars for easy grab-and-go salads with the dressing at the bottom.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover salad components separate when possible—store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temp, and spinach with strawberries in the fridge without dressing. When ready to eat, toss everything together fresh to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This one doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh greens and fruit, but the candied pecans freeze beautifully if you want to make a big batch ahead.

Reheating

Since it’s a fresh salad, reheating isn’t really needed. Just toss the leftovers fresh with dressing and maybe add a few fresh strawberries or extra cheese to perk it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the candied pecans ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the candied pecans a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they are completely cooled and in a single layer to prevent sticking.

What’s the best way to keep the salad fresh?

The key is to keep the dressing separate until just before serving and slice the strawberries right before you toss everything together. This helps avoid soggy spinach and watery salad.

Can I substitute the nuts in this salad?

Yes! Pecans are my favorite here, but walnuts or even sliced almonds can also work well. Just make sure to candy whichever nuts you choose for that sweet crunch.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It’s best to prepare the components separately and then combine them right before eating. This will keep the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh, perfect for packing a healthy lunch.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it’s a simple dish that feels anything but ordinary. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, it never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and maybe even make it your own—because the best salads are the ones you feel confident to tweak and love every bite of.