This spinach salad with strawberries, feta, and pecans is the perfect balance of fresh, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a delicious addition to any meal. Whether you're serving it as a light side dish or adding grilled chicken for a satisfying main course, this simple yet flavorful salad is always a crowd favorite!
Why You'll Love This Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans
This spinach salad with strawberries, feta, and pecans is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The baby spinach provides a fresh, leafy base, the strawberries add natural sweetness, the pecans bring a satisfying crunch, and the feta cheese offers a tangy, creamy contrast. A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together for a light yet delicious salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering, a summer BBQ, or a quick weekday lunch, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that never fails to impress.
Ingredients for Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans
- (1) 8 oz bag baby spinach – Fresh and tender spinach leaves form the perfect base.
- 3/4 cup sliced pecans – Adds a nutty crunch to every bite.
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese – The salty, tangy feta complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 7 large strawberries, diced – Fresh, juicy strawberries provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
- Balsamic vinaigrette (for topping) – A simple balsamic dressing enhances the flavors and brings everything together.
How to Make Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Rinse the strawberries, remove the stems, and dice them into small pieces. If your pecans are whole, roughly chop them to make them easier to eat.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, add the spinach first. Then, layer on the strawberries, crumbled feta, and sliced pecans.
Step 3: Chill Until Serving
If you're not serving the salad immediately, cover it and place it in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Step 4: Add Dressing & Serve
Right before serving, drizzle your desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Tips for the Best Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans
- Toast the pecans for extra flavor – Lightly toasting pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes enhances their crunch and brings out a richer, nuttier taste.
- Use high-quality feta cheese – Opt for a block of feta and crumble it yourself for the best texture and flavor.
- Make it a meal – Add grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp to turn this into a protein-packed main dish.
- Try a homemade dressing – While store-bought balsamic vinaigrette works great, making your own with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard adds a fresh, homemade touch.
Variations of This Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations:
- Swap the pecans for another nut – Almonds, walnuts, or candied pecans make great alternatives.
- Use a different cheese – Goat cheese or blue cheese can be used instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Add avocado – Creamy avocado slices add a rich texture and healthy fats.
- Include red onions – Thinly sliced red onions bring a bit of sharpness to balance the sweet strawberries.
Why This Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Feta, and Pecans Is a Crowd Favorite
This spinach salad with strawberries, feta, and pecans is always a hit at gatherings, whether it’s Easter, summer picnics, or a casual weeknight dinner. The combination of fresh greens, sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese makes it a light yet flavorful dish that everyone enjoys.
This looks yummy! I'm excited trying this!
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ooooh that looks so good!
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Angela
Looks so delicious! Great photography! :)
ReplyDeleteDenina
Purely Me by Denina Martin
That salad looks amazing! Strawberries in anything are my fav!
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Paige, wow, such a yummy picture and a yummy salad! I sooo must try it! I love each ingredient, and together them promise to make a perfect meal!
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Oh my gosh, this looks absolutely delightful! I'll definitely be making this quite soon - I love strawberries and pecans so yay! <3
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yummy
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My mom makes this salad too and it's one of my favorites! Now I want to have this for lunch :)
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Hi, I like the idea of the recipe and will use it this Sunday. I do find the colour of the font makes it very hard for me to read with my weak eyes however.
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