Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer salad: the spinach strawberry salad with pecans! It’s like a refreshing burst of sunshine in a bowl. Picture this: crisp, vibrant spinach leaves paired with sweet, juicy strawberries and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures is just divine! I remember the first time I made it for a summer picnic with friends. We spread out on a checkered blanket, and as we dug into this salad, it was like an explosion of joy in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want to whip this up for your next gathering or even just a light lunch at home. It’s that good and oh-so-easy to make!
Ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad Pecans
To create this delicious spinach strawberry salad with pecans, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups of fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups of strawberries, sliced into thin pieces
- 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped for that delightful crunch
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled to add a creamy touch
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette, for a zesty finish
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor! This salad is all about those vibrant, fresh tastes. You can easily adjust the quantities based on how many people you’re serving, but trust me, you’ll want plenty to go around!
How to Prepare Spinach Strawberry Salad Pecans
Getting this spinach strawberry salad with pecans ready is a breeze! Let me walk you through the steps to whip up this refreshing dish. Trust me, it’s straightforward and super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, wash and dry your fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. You want them crisp and clean, so give them a good rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner.
- Next, slice your strawberries. I like to cut them into thin slices to maximize their sweetness and make them easier to eat. The bright red color is just gorgeous!
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced strawberries, and chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens—just look at those colors!
- Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. It adds such a lovely creaminess that balances perfectly with the sweet strawberries and crunchy pecans.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. You don’t need too much—just enough to tie all those fresh flavors together.
- Finally, toss everything gently to combine. Be careful not to mush up the strawberries! Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
And voilà! You’ve got yourself a stunning salad that’s ready to impress your guests or just treat yourself. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick and easy to make—perfect for busy days!
- The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes.
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients create a salad bursting with flavor.
- It’s a healthy option that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Perfectly versatile—you can add grilled chicken or swap out the feta for goat cheese!
- Great for picnics, potlucks, or even a light dinner at home.
Tips for Success
To make your spinach strawberry salad with pecans truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, always opt for the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find—this salad is all about those vibrant flavors, so don’t skimp on quality! If you can, visit a local farmer’s market for the best produce. When chopping your pecans, try to do it just before adding them to the salad to keep that crunch intact. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of balsamic vinaigrette to your taste; a little goes a long way! And if you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess. Enjoy every bite of your masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
While I can’t provide exact nutritional values for this spinach strawberry salad with pecans, it’s important to note that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Generally, a serving contains around 180 calories, with a good balance of healthy fats and fiber. Always check your ingredients for the most accurate information, and enjoy this delicious salad as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ About Spinach Strawberry Salad Pecans
Got some questions about making this spinach strawberry salad with pecans? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare all the ingredients, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even blue cheese can be great alternatives for that creamy texture!
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other fruits like blueberries or add some grilled chicken for extra protein. This salad is super versatile!
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about a day, but I recommend eating it fresh for the best taste.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your spinach strawberry salad with pecans is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it for about a day. If you’re planning to save some for later, remember to keep the balsamic vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to eat. This way, the salad stays crisp and delicious! As for reheating—there’s really no need! Enjoy it cold for that refreshing crunch that makes this salad so special.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful spinach strawberry salad with pecans, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with grilled chicken for a satisfying meal, or you could serve it alongside some savory salmon for a delicious contrast. It also makes a fantastic side dish to accompany a hearty quiche or a light pasta dish. For a picnic vibe, pack it with some crusty bread and a refreshing lemonade. Trust me, no matter how you serve it, this salad will always steal the show!
For more delicious salad ideas, check out this grilled chicken salad recipe or this beet and feta salad!
Z nadrukami
Spinach Strawberry Salad Pecans: 5 Joyful Flavor Combos
- Całkowity Czas: 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing spinach strawberry salad topped with crunchy pecans.
Składniki
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instrukcje
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves.
- Slice the strawberries.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and pecans.
- Add feta cheese on top.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Uwagi
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Tossing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: spinach, strawberry, salad, pecans
