Welcome to our delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Feta Cheese. This salad is a perfect combination of vibrant flavors and contrasting textures. The freshness of ripe strawberries, the crispness of spinach leaves, the sweetness of candied pecans, and the tanginess of feta cheese come together to create a delightful salad experience. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrition. It's an excellent choice for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans (see recipe below)

For the Candied Pecans

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt

For the Vinaigrette

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and salt, and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Add the pecan halves to the saucepan and toss to coat them evenly with the butter-sugar mixture.
  4. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pecans are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to prepare the vinaigrette.
  7. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
  8. Serve the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Feta Cheese immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Variations and Serving

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
  • Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Include other fresh fruits like blueberries or sliced peaches for additional sweetness and variety.
  • Sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or mint for a burst of freshness.

Conclusion

Indulge in the delightful combination of fresh strawberries, spinach, candied pecans, and tangy feta cheese in our Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Feta Cheese. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, complemented by the contrasting textures of the crisp spinach and crunchy pecans. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it's a refreshing and nutritious choice for any occasion. Whether you

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