Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans

this Recipe

First off, thank you so much for being here! I love sharing recipes that feel like a celebration on a plate — and today’s Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is absolutely one of those recipes. It’s fresh, vibrant, sweet, and savory, and right after one bite, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd favorite. 🌟

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Overview of the Recipe

This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the definition of a perfect spring or summer salad — light yet satisfying, bursting with juicy strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy pecans, and a tangy-sweet dressing that brings it all together. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for a brunch but easy enough for a quick weekday lunch. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!!

Reasons to Love This Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Quick and easy: Just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes to throw together!
• Nutrient-packed: Spinach and strawberries are rich in vitamins, and pecans add healthy fats.
• Gorgeous presentation: Those colors!! This salad is a stunner on any table.
• Customizable: Swap, add, or tweak ingredients depending on what you have on hand.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the sweetness of ripe strawberries mingling with the earthy freshness of baby spinach, all tied together with the buttery crunch of toasted pecans. Then drizzle over a bright and slightly tangy homemade dressing… the flavor is light, bright, and absolutely irresistible. The smell when you’re prepping it is like walking through a summer garden!!

Benefits of This Recipe

• Great source of antioxidants (thank you, strawberries and spinach!)
• Heart-healthy fats from the pecans
• Naturally gluten-free
• Simple, clean ingredients — no weird stuff!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¾ cup pecans (toasted if desired)
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but amazing)
• 1 avocado, diced (optional for extra creaminess)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Small whisk or jar (for dressing)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Nothing fancy — just basic tools and a lot of heart!

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

I love how flexible this salad is! Here are some ideas:

• Nuts: Try walnuts, almonds, or even candied pecans for a sweet twist.
• Cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles can swap in for feta.
• Fruit: Add blueberries or swap the strawberries for raspberries.
• Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Anything but boring!!

How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
2. Prep the salad: In a large bowl, add the spinach, sliced strawberries, pecans, and red onion.
3. Add extras: If using, gently fold in the diced avocado and crumbled feta.
4. Dress it up: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to combine.
5. Serve immediately and bask in the compliments!

(Seriously, I’m kicking myself for not having shot a video of this coming together — it’s so gorgeous!!)

What to Serve with This Salad

This salad is a total team player! It goes beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken or salmon
• A crusty baguette or fresh bread
• A glass of chilled rosé or lemonade
• Light summer pastas or soups

It can be a show-stopping starter or a lovely light main course.

Tips for the Best Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Toast the pecans: A quick few minutes in a dry skillet makes a HUGE difference in flavor.
• Use ripe strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries are key here.
• Dress just before serving: Spinach wilts fast, so keep it perky!
• Slice everything thin: It’s prettier and easier to eat.

Little touches like these make a big impact!

Storage Instructions

If you need to make this ahead:

• Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers.
• Toss together just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.
• Leftover dressed salad can be refrigerated for a day, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

General Information

This salad is inspired by classic American summer flavors — simple, fresh, and joyfully colorful. It fits perfectly into gluten-free, vegetarian, and clean eating lifestyles, and it’s easy to adapt for vegan diets too (just skip or swap the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey).

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen strawberries?
I wouldn’t recommend it — fresh strawberries are key to the texture and brightness of this salad.

Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and skip or substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited about this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans as I am!! It’s one of those effortless recipes that feels like a little burst of sunshine every time you make it. Fresh, simple, and ridiculously delicious. Give it a try, and don’t forget to check out even more recipes featuring my favorite seasonal fruits — I’ve got a Peach and Burrata Salad and a Blueberry Lemon Summer Tart coming your way soon!

✨ Tried this recipe? Leave a review below and tag me with your salad photos on Pinterest! I LOVE seeing what you create!!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g

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