There’s something about the interplay of sweet, juicy strawberries and the vibrant green of fresh spinach that just screams summer, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tossed these two together; it was a spontaneous decision at a neighborhood barbecue, and boy, did it steal the show. A little like that unexpected plot twist in a movie you didn’t see coming, but somehow it makes perfect sense.
Add to that the tangy kick of balsamic vinaigrette—cue the taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s like a refreshing cool breeze on a hot day, with every bite a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. And speaking of spectacular, did you catch last night’s sunset?
It was one of those evenings where the sky seemed to be painted with every shade of pink and orange, much like the strawberries in this salad. Anyway, enough of my rambling, let’s jump into this delightful mix of flavors.
Steps
- Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by heating vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half, which takes about 3 minutes. Transfer it to a jar or bowl, mix in olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey, and season with salt and pepper. If needed, add a bit of water to reach the desired consistency.
- To make the candied pecans, combine pecans, brown sugar, and butter in a small non-stick skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and begins to caramelize, around 2 to 3 minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, mix together spinach, strawberries, half of the feta cheese, red onion, and the candied pecans. Pour about one-third of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve the salad by plating individual portions, drizzling the remaining dressing over each, and topping with the remaining feta cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Red onion
- Feta cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup pecans, broken or roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories 2424 | Calories from Fat 1836 | Fat 204g 314% | Saturated Fat 42g 264% | Cholesterol 138mg 46% | Sodium 2070mg 90% | Potassium 2892mg 83% | Carbohydrates 120g 40% | Fiber 24g 102% | Sugar 84g 93% | Protein 36g 72% | Vitamin A 27420IU 548% | Vitamin C 349.8mg 419% | Calcium 1158mg 116% | Iron 14.4mg 80%
FAQ
- Can the Strawberry Spinach Salad be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance by prepping all the ingredients separately. Just mix them together and add the dressing right before serving to avoid wilting the spinach.
- Is it possible to use a different type of fruit in this salad?
- Certainly! You can substitute strawberries with other fresh berries like blueberries, or even try using apples or pears for a different flavor.
- What are some alternatives if I don’t have pecans or feta?
- If you’re out of pecans, walnuts or cashews can be a great substitute. For feta, try using a crumbly goat cheese for a similar texture and taste.
- How should I store strawberries to keep them fresh longer?
- To extend the freshness of your strawberries, store them unwashed in a produce saver container, which can keep them fresh up to 80% longer compared to traditional packaging.
Tips
- Experiment with different fruits: While strawberries are a classic choice, you can switch them out for other fresh berries like blueberries, or even opt for apples or pears for a different twist.
- Cheese alternatives: If you’re out of feta or prefer a different flavor, try using crumbly goat cheese as a substitute for an equally delicious result.
- Nut variations: If pecans aren’t available, consider using walnuts or cashews for the candied nut component to maintain that delightful crunch.
- Prep in advance: To save time, prepare all the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving. However, add the balsamic dressing right before eating to prevent the spinach from wilting.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet – For making candied pecans.
- Small saucepan – For preparing the balsamic vinaigrette.
- Whisk – For blending the vinaigrette ingredients.
- Rubbermaid FreshWorks™ Produce Saver – For storing strawberries and extending their freshness.
