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Strawberry Pecan Salad

Strawberry Pecan Salad

This Strawberry Pecan Salad is a fresh and vibrant spring dinner featuring crisp baby spinach and mixed greens topped with juicy strawberries, homemade candied pecans, creamy goat cheese, and red onion, all tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s stunning, seasonal, and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
  • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for dressing)
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • 3 oz mixed greens or baby arugula
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
  • 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)

Equipment

  • medium skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk or jar with lid
  • large salad bowl or platter

Method
 

  1. Toss half the sliced strawberries with 1 teaspoon sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let sit 10 minutes to macerate.
  2. Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly 3–4 minutes until caramelized. Spread on parchment to cool.
  3. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Toss spinach and mixed greens with two-thirds of the vinaigrette until lightly coated.
  5. Top with fresh strawberries, macerated strawberries and juices, cucumber, avocado, red onion, cooled candied pecans, and goat cheese.
  6. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette over the top, garnish with basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Dress the greens just before serving to prevent wilting. Use peak-season strawberries for best flavor. Store candied pecans and dressing separately for meal prep.