If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with a delightful combination of flavors, the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad is a colorful dance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy all combined in one bowl. Perfect for a light lunch, a stunning side salad, or even a picnic treat, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate fresh strawberries and the crispness of baby spinach. Every bite bursts with the natural sweetness of strawberries, the zing of mint, the salty creaminess of feta, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, making it a salad you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a harmony of flavors and textures. From the peppery baby spinach to the tart strawberry dressing, everything blends together beautifully to give you that perfect balance in every mouthful.
- Raw pecans: Toasting brings out their rich, buttery flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
- Baby spinach: Its tender leaves create a fresh, earthy base that’s slightly sweet and vibrant green.
- Strawberries: Sweet and juicy, they add a pop of color and freshness both in the salad and the dressing.
- Shallots: Provide a mild, sweet onion flavor that rounds out the salad without overpowering it.
- Fresh mint: Adds a bright, cooling note that lifts all the flavors.
- Feta cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberries.
- Red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing a sharp note to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Adds a gentle, natural sweetness to compliment the fruit.
- Lime juice: Brings zest and a fresh citrus bite to the dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Smooths out the dressing with its fruity richness.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the salad.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Start by placing the chopped raw pecans in a small frying pan over medium heat. Toast them for about three to four minutes, stirring frequently until they turn a lovely golden brown and release their nutty aroma. This step brings out their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad that you’ll savor in every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the tender baby spinach with half of the sliced strawberries, shallots, fresh chopped mint, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. This mix forms the backbone of your salad, perfectly balancing textures and flavors before adding the delicious dressing.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Dressing
For the salad’s show-stopping dressing, blend the remaining fresh strawberries with red wine vinegar, honey, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. Blend these until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a luscious dressing that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a subtle tang.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the freshly made strawberry dressing over the salad bowl, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and ingredient is lightly coated in that bright, flavorful dressing. This coats the salad perfectly, tying all the components into a harmonious whole.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
Transfer the dressed salad to a large, shallow serving bowl or platter for an inviting presentation. Top it off with the reserved strawberries, pecans, feta, mint, and shallots. These fresh toppings make the salad visually stunning and add bursts of flavor in each bite.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This salad is at its freshest and most vibrant when served right away. The crispness of the spinach and the texture of the toasted pecans shine through best before any sogginess can set in. Enjoy every colorful forkful!
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of elegance and flavor with a few fresh mint sprigs or a sprinkle of additional crumbled feta just before serving. A light drizzle of extra dressing can also enhance the salad’s appeal for guests who love a little more tang.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a light pasta dish. Its refreshing flavors act as a perfect counterbalance to rich, savory mains, making your meal both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in a clear glass bowl to highlight the vibrant reds and greens, or serve it in individual mason jars for a fun picnic or party presentation. Adding edible flowers on top can also make this salad a showstopper at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe, store the salad separately from the dressing to prevent sogginess. Keep the salad ingredients in an airtight container and add the dressing just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate nature of spinach, strawberries, and the creamy cheese. Freezing would compromise texture and flavor, so it’s recommended to prepare this salad fresh each time.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary and would detract from the fresh and crisp qualities that make the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe so special. Simply enjoy it chilled!
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds also work wonderfully and toast nicely to add that satisfying crunch, though pecans offer a uniquely buttery flavor that pairs especially well with this salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or use a sprinkle of toasted nutritional yeast for a similar savory note without dairy.
How long does this salad stay fresh after making?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the salad immediately or within a few hours after tossing with the dressing. Stored without dressing, the ingredients remain fresh for up to one day in the fridge.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the dressing?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery dressing.
What type of feta cheese is best for this recipe?
Look for a high-quality, crumbly feta that’s not overly briny to balance the sweetness of the strawberries nicely. Sheep’s milk feta often delivers a rich texture that complements the salad perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making a quick lunch or preparing a delightful dish for friends, you simply can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe. Its fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and varied textures make it an irresistible choice that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this salad that’s as joyful to eat as it is to make!
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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, Mint, and Toasted Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring toasted pecans, fresh strawberries, baby spinach, shallots, and feta cheese, all tossed in a creamy homemade strawberry dressing with hints of lime and honey. Perfect for a light, nutritious meal or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 cup halved raw pecans
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 4 cups strawberries (sliced)
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (greens removed)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a small frying pan and toast over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the baby spinach and half of each of the following: sliced strawberries, thinly sliced shallots, chopped fresh mint, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. Gently toss to mix those components together.
- Prepare Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the remaining fresh strawberries (without greens), red wine vinegar, honey, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is fully combined and creamy, creating a bright and flavorful strawberry dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the freshly made strawberry dressing over the salad mixture in the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Assemble for Serving: Transfer the dressed salad to a large low bowl or a serving platter. Top the salad with the remaining sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and sliced shallots for garnish and added texture.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Strawberry Spinach Salad right away to enjoy its fresh flavors and crisp textures at their best.
Notes
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the dressing and salad to maximize sweetness and freshness.
- If you prefer, substitute honey with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the sliced shallots before adding.
- This salad is best served immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the spinach and freshness of the fruit.
- Adjust salt levels based on your taste preference and the saltiness of your feta cheese.
- To keep the salad gluten-free, ensure your vinegar and honey are certified gluten-free.
