5 from 72 votes
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad combines fresh baby spinach and sweet strawberries tossed with a poppy seed dressing. Toasted pecans sautéed in butter add a rich, nutty crunch that complements the crisp greens and juicy berries. The salad is lightly dressed, balancing sweetness and acidity, making it a refreshing accompaniment or starter during warmer seasons or any light meal.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
299 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For the poppy seed dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or light olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- salt to taste
For the salad:
- 3 tablespoons butter (optional but recommended, see notes)
- 1 cup pecans
- 16 ounces baby spinach (see notes)
- 16 ounces strawberries quartered or sliced
Instructions
To make the poppy seed dressing:
- In a small bowl with a whisk, or in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dried mustard, poppy seeds, and salt to taste (I like 1 teaspoon). Stir or shake to combine. Allow the flavors to blend at room temperature while preparing the salad.
Cup of Yum
To assemble the salad:
- Add butter to a small skillet over medium-high heat until the foaming subsides. Add pecans and sauté until toasted and fragrant, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove promptly to avoid scorching and drain on paper towels. Cool 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add spinach, strawberries, and pecans. Add salad dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Notes
- You can substitute half of the baby spinach with a field greens mix for variation in flavor and texture.
- Butter-toasting the pecans adds richness and enhances their aroma, but toasting them dry is acceptable if you prefer or need a dairy-free option.
- Make the dressing ahead and let it rest at room temperature to let the flavors blend before tossing with salad ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Calories
299kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
15g
(5%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
27g
(42%)
Saturated Fat
15g
(75%)
Cholesterol
11mg
(4%)
Sodium
84mg
(4%)
Potassium
454mg
(10%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
5462IU
(109%)
Vitamin C
49mg
(54%)
Calcium
81mg
(8%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 299
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 299kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 84mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 454mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 5462IU | 109% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 81mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.