This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is fresh, colorful, sweet, savory, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Made with tender spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and a homemade balsamic dressing, this easy salad is perfect for warm-weather lunches, summer dinners, BBQs, or holiday gatherings.
The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic dressing, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s light yet satisfying, elegant enough for entertaining, and simple enough to make any day of the week.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this spinach strawberry salad is one recipe you’ll want to enjoy all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Fresh, healthy, and refreshing
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Perfect sweet and savory flavor combination
- Packed with texture and crunch
- Great as a side dish or light meal
- Beautiful presentation for gatherings
- Easy homemade balsamic dressing
- Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 ounces baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans
Homemade Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Why This Salad Works So Well
This salad is all about balance:
- Sweet juicy strawberries
- Creamy tangy cheese
- Crunchy candied pecans
- Fresh leafy greens
- Rich balsamic dressing
Every bite delivers freshness, crunch, sweetness, and tangy flavor.
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
Greens
Baby spinach works beautifully, but you can also use:
- Arugula
- Kale
- Mixed greens
- Spring mix
Cheese
Feta adds a salty tang, while goat cheese creates a creamier texture.
Other great options include:
- Blue cheese
- Gorgonzola
- Shaved parmesan
Pecans
Candied pecans add sweetness and crunch.
You can also use:
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pistachios
Strawberries
Fresh ripe strawberries work best for maximum sweetness and flavor.
How to Make Spinach Strawberry Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly.
Hull and slice the strawberries.
Add the spinach, strawberries, and crumbled cheese to a large serving bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Whisk or shake until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
Sprinkle candied pecans over the top just before serving for maximum crunch.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
Dry the Strawberries Well
Too much moisture can water down the dressing.
Add Dressing Right Before Serving
Spinach wilts quickly once dressed.
Use Fresh Ingredients
This salad truly shines with ripe strawberries and fresh greens.
Chill the Ingredients
Cold ingredients make the salad extra refreshing.
Delicious Variations
Add Protein
Turn this into a complete meal with:
- Grilled chicken
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Chickpeas
Add More Fruit
Try adding:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Mandarin oranges
- Raspberries
Add Avocado
Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the strawberries and balsamic dressing.
Make it Vegan
Use dairy-free cheese and swap honey for maple syrup.
What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Seafood
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Summer BBQ dishes
It also works beautifully as a light lunch with crusty bread.
Storage Tips
This salad is best served fresh.
If making ahead:
- Store dressing separately
- Slice strawberries just before serving
- Add pecans at the end to keep them crunchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the dressing separately until ready to serve.
What cheese works best?
Goat cheese and feta are the most popular choices.
Can I use regular pecans instead of candied?
Absolutely. Toasted pecans work wonderfully too.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans is the perfect combination of fresh, sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy. With juicy strawberries, tender spinach, creamy cheese, crunchy pecans, and homemade balsamic dressing, it’s a salad that feels both elegant and effortless.
Perfect for summer meals, entertaining, or quick healthy lunches, this salad is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.