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
Scale
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.
