Embark on a culinary journey with this irresistible **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad**, a vibrant dish that perfectly marries health, simplicity, and exquisite flavor. This salad is a symphony of tastes and textures, featuring the delicate sweetness of fresh strawberries, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly toasted pecans. It strikes an ideal balance between sweet and tart, creating a refreshing experience for your palate.

While this salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dressings, we highly recommend trying it with our Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing. The zesty, herbaceous notes of this dressing complement the salad’s natural flavors, elevating it to new heights. The toasted pecans are not merely an addition; they are a crucial element, enhancing the nutty aroma and providing a delightful texture that balances the entire dish beautifully.

This **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad** truly shines in the spring months when strawberries are at their peak, offering their freshest, most vibrant flavor. It’s an impeccable choice for an Easter side dish, complementing celebratory meals such as our Easter Picnic Ham and classic Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes, with a slice of Carrot Cake for a perfect dessert. Beyond holiday gatherings, its refreshing qualities make it an ideal choice for warmer months, whether served as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter. However, its delightful combination of ingredients means it’s a fantastic salad to enjoy any time of year.

One of the many advantages of this recipe is its adaptability. While it excels as a standalone side dish, you can effortlessly transform it into a hearty main course by simply adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a plant-based protein. Furthermore, this salad caters to various dietary needs, being **dairy-free (vegan), gluten-free, and Weight Watchers friendly**, making it an inclusive option for almost everyone at your table. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation time make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad** will quickly become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire:

• **Unforgettable Flavor Profile:** The harmonious blend of juicy, sweet strawberries, crisp, slightly bitter spinach, crunchy, earthy pecans, and a subtle bite from red onion creates a truly captivating taste. The sweet and tart notes are perfectly balanced.
• **Effortlessly Simple:** With only a handful of core ingredients and minimal preparation, this salad comes together in a flash, proving that gourmet flavors don’t require complicated steps.
• **Nutrient-Packed Goodness:** Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, strawberries are rich in antioxidants, and pecans offer healthy fats. It’s a meal that truly nourishes your body.
• **Incredibly Versatile:** Enjoy it as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or enhance it with your favorite protein for a fulfilling dinner. It adapts beautifully to any meal.
• **Diet-Friendly:** Whether you’re vegan, gluten-sensitive, or following Weight Watchers, this recipe fits seamlessly into your dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
• **Visually Stunning:** The vivid reds of strawberries against the deep green of spinach, accented by golden pecans and purple onion, make for an incredibly attractive dish that will impress your guests.

If you’re a fan of fresh, seasonal salads, don’t miss our equally delightful Asparagus and Tomato Salad with Feta – another excellent addition to your spring and summer menu!

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad

It’s truly remarkable how a mere four primary ingredients can combine to create such an incredibly delicious and satisfying salad. This elegant simplicity ensures a quick preparation while delivering maximum flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key components for your ultimate **Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Pecans**:

• Fresh Spinach: The foundation of this vibrant salad. Use either tender baby spinach or regular fresh spinach, ensuring it’s thoroughly washed and dried to prevent a soggy salad. Its mild, slightly earthy flavor provides the perfect canvas for the other ingredients and is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron.
• Fresh Strawberries: These are non-negotiable for an authentic and delightful flavor! Look for ripe, bright red, and fragrant strawberries. They contribute a burst of natural sweetness, a beautiful pop of color, and a juicy texture that makes this salad truly special. Always hull and slice them just before assembling for optimal freshness.
• Pecan Halves: Opting for pecan halves rather than chopped pecans saves time and effort, ensuring a more elegant presentation. The real secret, however, is toasting them. Toasting unlocks a deeper, richer, and nuttier flavor, develops a gorgeous golden-brown hue, and adds an irresistible crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft spinach and strawberries. They also provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Red Onion: A crucial element for balancing the sweetness of the strawberries. Red onions are naturally sweeter and milder than yellow or white onions, yet they still offer a crisp texture and a distinct, sharp flavor that cuts through the other ingredients, adding depth and complexity to each bite. Thinly sliced red onion is key for a pleasant texture.

*Please refer to the complete recipe card below for precise quantities and additional details.

📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad** recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations and substitutions to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Onion Alternatives: If red onion isn’t your preference or isn’t available, thinly sliced green onions (scallions) offer a milder onion flavor and a different aesthetic. For an even mellower red onion taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
• Pecan Variations: While toasted pecans are highly recommended for their enhanced flavor, you can certainly experiment. Candied pecans add an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, perfect for those who enjoy a richer dessert-like salad. For a nut-free option, shelled, raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a great substitute, offering a similar crunch and nutritional benefits.
• Boost with Protein (Add-ins): Transform this side salad into a satisfying main meal by incorporating your favorite protein. Grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, crispy bacon bits, or even a perfectly cooked steak can turn this light dish into a hearty and complete dinner. For plant-based protein, consider roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu.
• Explore Other Fruits: While strawberries are the star, other fresh berries can also work beautifully. Blueberries or raspberries can provide a similar sweet-tart burst of flavor and add a different color dimension. Even thinly sliced apples or pears can be a refreshing addition, especially in the fall.
• Dressing Choices: The dressing can dramatically alter the salad’s character. While our Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing is a phenomenal pairing, don’t hesitate to use your favorite homemade or store-bought option. Classic choices include a simple balsamic vinaigrette (made with good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar), a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing, a tangy raspberry vinaigrette, or even a robust blue cheese dressing for a sharper contrast. Consider a light lemon vinaigrette for a brighter flavor.
• Cheese Options: For those not adhering to a dairy-free diet, a sprinkle of cheese can add a wonderful creamy, salty, or tangy element. Crumbled goat cheese offers a delightful tang and creamy texture, while feta cheese provides a salty, briny kick. Shaved Parmesan can also add a savory depth.

🔪 How to Craft Your Perfect Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad

Creating this delicious salad is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few straightforward steps. The key to its amazing flavor lies in preparing each ingredient properly, especially toasting those pecans to perfection. Follow these easy instructions to assemble your fresh and vibrant **Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad**:

PREP WORK: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even pecan toasting.

Spread the pecan halves in a single, even layer on a pie plate or a baking sheet. For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can line the baking sheet or plate with parchment paper.

Roast for 5 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. The exact time will depend on your oven and the size of your pecans. During this time, it’s crucial to stir or shake the pan occasionally. This ensures the nuts brown evenly on all sides and prevents any parts from burning.

 *IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not leave the pecans unattended during toasting! Nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye and nose on them; a rich, nutty aroma indicates they are nearly done.

Once toasted, remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely. This cooling step is important for them to achieve maximum crispness. While the pecans cool, you can prepare the other ingredients: wash and dry your spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels, hull and quarter your strawberries, and thinly slice your red onion.

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onion, quartered fresh strawberries, and the cooled, toasted pecans. Toss everything together carefully to ensure even distribution of ingredients without bruising the delicate spinach or strawberries.

Serve with your preferred salad dressing. For an unparalleled flavor experience, we enthusiastically recommend our Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the spinach and the vibrant texture of the strawberries. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side and let guests add it themselves.

Mastering Your Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad: Expert Tips

To ensure your **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad** is nothing short of perfection, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Toast Pecans for Maximum Flavor: This step is non-negotiable for the best salad! Toasting transforms raw pecans, deepening their nutty flavor, enhancing their aroma, and providing a superior crunch. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remember, they can burn quickly, so remain vigilant! Let them cool completely before adding to the salad for the best texture.
• Utilize Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The quality of your strawberries directly impacts the salad’s taste. Select bright red, firm, and highly fragrant strawberries for the sweetest and juiciest results. Avoid any that are overly soft or show signs of mold, as they can become mushy and compromise the salad’s texture.
• Slice Onions Thinly: Red onions contribute a fantastic sharpness, but their bite can be overpowering if sliced too thickly. Aim for paper-thin slices to mellow their flavor and integrate them seamlessly into the salad. If you find red onion too strong, soaking the thinly sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it can significantly reduce its pungency.
• Add Dressing Right Before Serving: Spinach is notorious for wilting quickly once dressed. To maintain the crispness of your spinach and the overall freshness of the salad, always add the dressing just before serving. If you’re serving a crowd, consider offering the dressing on the side so guests can add it to their individual portions.
• Achieve Flavor Balance: This salad is celebrated for its perfect equilibrium of flavors: the sweetness of strawberries, the tartness from your chosen dressing, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the savory undertones of spinach and onion. If you desire a sweeter profile, consider using candied pecans or a slightly sweeter dressing. For more tang, a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can brighten things up.
• Transform it into a Full Meal: This versatile side salad easily converts into a hearty main course. Incorporate grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, thinly sliced steak, or even some chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost. For added creaminess and a touch of indulgence, crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese are excellent additions.
• Employ a Salad Spinner for Crisp Spinach: A soggy salad is rarely enjoyable. After washing your spinach, ensure it is thoroughly dry. A salad spinner is the most efficient tool for this, removing excess water without damaging the leaves. If you don’t have one, pat the spinach dry with clean paper towels until no visible moisture remains.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: While assembly should be just before serving, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time. Toast the pecans, wash and slice the strawberries, and thinly slice the red onion. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prep-ahead strategy makes assembling the salad a breeze when you’re ready to eat.

👪 Understanding Serving Sizes & Adjustments

This **Spinach Pecan Strawberry Salad** recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings when offered as a refreshing side salad. It’s a generous portion that works perfectly alongside a larger meal or as part of a buffet.

If you’re planning to serve this delightful salad as a main course, perhaps for a light lunch or dinner, we recommend calculating it for about 6 servings. For a more satisfying meal, you’ll definitely want to enhance it by adding a protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, as suggested in our variations section. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: you can easily half, double, or even triple the recipe to suit your needs. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired quantity; the ingredient measurements will automatically adjust, saving you time and effort.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly: Smart & Delicious Choices

For those mindful of their nutritional intake and following the Weight Watchers program, you’ll be thrilled to know that this easy **Strawberry Spinach Salad** recipe is highly compatible! This salad itself is approximately **2 WW points** per serving, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal or side.

Please remember that the Weight Watchers points for your chosen dressing will need to be calculated separately, as dressing choices can vary widely in their point values. To keep your meal even lighter and more point-friendly, we highly recommend pairing this salad with grilled chicken breast, which is often 0 points, either mixed into the salad or served on the side. Another fantastic 0-point accompaniment is our Cloud Bread, providing a light and airy side without adding to your daily points. This combination ensures a filling and flavorful meal that aligns perfectly with your wellness goals.

🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad

The versatility of this fresh **Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Pecans** makes it an incredible companion to an array of dishes, fitting perfectly into various meal types. Its balanced flavors and refreshing crunch make it an excellent complement to both light and hearty fare.

Light Lunches & Appetizers:

• For a delightful and light lunch, enjoy the salad on its own, perhaps with a side of warm, crusty bread like our Italian Bread Machine Breadsticks. The combination of fresh greens, sweet fruit, and savory nuts provides a satisfying and wholesome meal.
• It also makes for an elegant starter for any dinner party, awakening the palate without being too heavy.

Weeknight Dinners:

• As a vibrant side dish, this salad pairs beautifully with a multitude of main courses. Its fresh profile cuts through richer dishes, providing a wonderful contrast. Consider serving it alongside comforting classics such as Baked Beef Cannelloni (as pictured), which benefits from the salad’s bright flavors.
• It’s also an excellent accompaniment for grilled meats, like our flavorful Greek Grilled Ribs, or quick and easy options like Chicken in a Hurry for a fast yet delicious weeknight meal.

Summer Gatherings & BBQ Fare:

• During the warmer months, this salad truly shines at outdoor gatherings and BBQs. Its refreshing qualities are a perfect match for grilled favorites. Try it with our succulent Beer Can Chicken – the sweet and tangy notes of the salad provide a fantastic counterpoint to the smoky, savory chicken. Be sure to explore our other suggested Beer Can Chicken Sides for a complete summer feast!
• It’s also fantastic with simple grilled fish or veggie burgers for a lighter summer plate.

🍽 Essential Kitchen Equipment for Your Salad

Preparing this delightful **Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad** requires only a few basic kitchen tools that you likely already have on hand. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth and efficient preparation process, leading to the best possible salad experience.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• **Sharp Knife**: Essential for hulling and slicing the strawberries and for thinly slicing the red onion. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and prevents bruising delicate ingredients.
• **Cutting Board**: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for all your chopping and slicing tasks.
• **Large Salad Bowl**: You’ll need a spacious bowl to comfortably combine all the salad ingredients and toss them without spillage. This also serves as a beautiful serving vessel.
• **Baking Sheet or Pie Plate**: For toasting the pecans evenly. Lining it with parchment paper is highly recommended for easy cleanup.
• **Salad Spinner** (Recommended): While not strictly essential, a good salad spinner is incredibly handy for washing and thoroughly drying the spinach. This is crucial to prevent a watery or soggy salad, ensuring your greens stay crisp. If you don’t have one, simply pat the washed spinach dry with clean paper towels.

*For your convenience, please see the recipe card below for recommended equipment links to products we trust and use in our kitchen.

🌡️ Storage Guidelines for Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad** at its best. To maintain the crispness of the greens and the vibrant flavors of the fruit and nuts, it’s important to store the components correctly.

For optimal freshness, always store the salad ingredients (spinach, strawberries, pecans, and red onion) and the dressing in separate airtight containers. Once assembled and dressed, spinach tends to wilt quickly, and strawberries can release moisture, making the salad less appealing. By keeping them separate, you can preserve their individual textures and flavors for longer.

Store both the undressed salad mixture and the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply toss the desired portion of salad with your favorite dressing right before serving.

It’s important to note that the fresh ingredients in this salad, particularly spinach and strawberries, **do not stand up well to freezing**. Freezing and thawing would result in a mushy texture and loss of flavor, so it’s best to prepare and consume this salad fresh within the recommended refrigeration period.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Salad

🥗 Explore More Delicious Side Salad Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the fresh, vibrant flavors of this **Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad**, you’ll be excited to discover more easy and healthy salad recipes perfect for any meal or occasion. We believe a great salad can transform a meal, and these options are no exception. Each offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Expand your salad repertoire with these fantastic additions:

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