If you’re looking for a fresh dish that combines fruit, veggies, a bit of bacon, feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, you’ve come to the right place! This Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe is literally bursting with flavor and color — just the way we like it. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and recipes like this one are delicious proof. Plus, when you sweeten the pecans yourself, everything kicks up a notch. Homemade poppy seed dressing is another add on you won’t want to skip. If you’re in a pinch, you have store-bought options, but dressings made from scratch have a special place in our hearts. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, you’ll be amazed how delicious this flavor combination is!
Raw spinach:
People often get confused about which types of vegetables can and cannot be eaten raw, or are just not as tasty! You’ve probably seen a lot of spinach salad or spinach salad with strawberries recipes. That’s because raw spinach is absolutely safe to eat! Choose small-leaf varieties for the best flavor. Larger and older leaves cook better.
Candied Pecans:
One of the best parts of this Strawberry Spinach Salad is the candied pecans. You could theoretically find these at the supermarket, but like homemade poppy seed sauce, you’re better off making your own!
bacon:
If you don’t eat bacon for personal, dietary or religious reasons, you can always skip it.
Can I use another fruit in Strawberry Spinach Salad?
While strawberries are obviously the star of this spinach strawberry salad, you can use other types of fruit. If you want a similar taste, you should try choosing another berry. Blueberries, raspberries or blackberries would be delicious. For a nutritious meal, combine several!
Plugins and replacements:
There are so many ways to customize this salad to your own personal taste preferences! You can substitute goat cheese for the feta, ditch the onions if you don’t like them, or even swap out the pecans for just about any other nut. Try almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds. You can also feel free to add some croutons for extra crunch. Again, if you’re in a pinch, you can always switch to store-bought clothing.
Service suggestion:
You can enjoy this dish on its own as a light lunch or dinner, or you can enhance the recipe as a main course. Feel free to add more protein like chicken, or you can add grains like quinoa or pasta. Farro works great too.
Alternatively, it’s a great side dish. Serve with grilled chicken or seafood, or even with burgers. Pizza is also available! A little artisan bread is a great choice alongside a strawberry spinach salad. It’s a great side to take to a family gathering, party, or BBQ. That said – we love enjoying this dish year-round!