Hey there! Welcome to our little corner of the internet at 911Recipes. We’re so glad you’re here. You know, sometimes, after a long day, all you crave is something fresh and bright. Something that makes your taste buds sing a little happy song. That’s exactly how I feel about this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing.

It’s got that perfect mix of sweet strawberries, tender spinach, and a delightful crunch from those candied pecans. Then, that tangy poppy seed dressing just ties it all together beautifully.

This salad has become a real go-to in our family. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but feels special enough for a weekend gathering. I remember the first time I made it, everyone’s eyes lit up! It’s one of those dishes that just feels like sunshine on a plate.

Here at 911Recipes, we’re all about bringing you simple, delicious recipes that fit into your busy life. Like Clara, our founder, I believe cooking should be a joy, not a chore. Savana is amazing at making things taste incredible without being complicated, and Alara helps us share these recipes with all of you.

We’re just a family who loves food and loves sharing our kitchen adventures. We hope you’ll feel right at home here.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

It’s super easy to whip up, even on a busy night.
The flavors are just amazing – sweet, tangy, and nutty all at once.
It looks so pretty with all those vibrant colors.
You can easily change it up or add things to make it your own.
It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple lunch.

Ingredients for Your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

Gathering your ingredients is the first fun step! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful strawberry spinach salad:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
2 cups pecan halves
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (for the pecans)
1 pound fresh spinach, washed and dried really well
2 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (this is totally optional, but I love it!)
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (for the dressing)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (for the dressing)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment Needed for This Strawberry Spinach Salad

You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this salad. Just a few basics will do the trick!

A medium saucepan for those yummy candied pecans.
A baking sheet lined with parchment paper for cooling the nuts.
A large bowl to mix everything together.
A small bowl for whisking up the dressing.
And a whisk, of course!

Preparing Your Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing is really straightforward. We’ll start with those amazing candied pecans, then get the salad base ready, whip up the dressing, and finally bring it all together.

First, let’s make the candied pecans. In your medium saucepan, mix the sugar and water. Put it over medium heat and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. This gets things nice and syrupy.

Now, add your pecan halves and the butter. Keep stirring constantly. You’ll see the liquid start to evaporate, and the sugar will turn all cloudy and crystallize onto the nuts. This takes a few minutes, so be patient!

Once the nuts look coated, take the pan off the heat. Quickly stir in the cinnamon and that pinch of salt. Spread the pecans out on your parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let them cool completely. They’ll get nice and crunchy as they cool.

While the pecans are cooling, get your salad base ready. In a large bowl, combine the washed and dried spinach, sliced strawberries, and the thinly sliced red onion. If you’re using feta cheese, toss that in now too.

Next, make the poppy seed dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the poppy seeds, white vinegar, the sugar for the dressing, olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s all mixed well.

Right before you’re ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently to coat. You don’t want to bruise the spinach or strawberries.

Finally, top the salad with your cooled, crunchy candied pecans. Give it one last gentle toss or just scatter them over the top. And there you have it! Your beautiful and delicious salad is ready.

Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad

Want your Strawberry Spinach Salad to be absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tips I’ve picked up along the way:

Dry that spinach! Seriously, wet spinach makes for a watery salad. Use a salad spinner or pat it really dry with paper towels after washing.
Don’t dress too soon. Only add the poppy seed dressing right before you’re serving. This keeps the spinach from getting wilted and sad.
Patience with pecans. Make sure your candied pecans are completely cool and crunchy before adding them. Warm nuts will make the salad warm, which isn’t what we want here.
Taste and adjust. Give the dressing a little taste before you pour it. You might want a touch more vinegar or sugar depending on your preference.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

One of the things I love about this Strawberry Spinach Salad is how flexible it is! You can easily swap out a few things to make it just how you like it.

If you don’t have pecans, no worries! Walnuts or even almonds work beautifully for the candied nuts. Just follow the same steps.

Red onion adds a nice bite, but if you find it too strong, you can use less or even soak the slices in ice water for a few minutes before adding them. This takes away some of that sharpness.

The crumbled feta cheese is listed as optional, but I highly recommend it! That salty tang against the sweet and crunchy elements is just wonderful. If you’re not a feta fan, goat cheese is another lovely option here.

Feel free to play around and find your perfect mix!

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Spinach Salad

Lots of folks have questions when trying a new recipe, and that’s totally normal! Here are some common things people ask about this delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing.

Can I make the poppy seed dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The dressing for this spinach and strawberry salad can be made a few days in advance. Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Give it a good shake or whisk before using it.

How long do the candied pecans last? If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your homemade candied pecans should stay crunchy for about a week. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them.

Can I add protein to this salad? Yes, that’s a great idea! Grilled chicken or shrimp are fantastic additions to make this a heartier main dish. They pair really well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the strawberry spinach salad.

What if I don’t like red onion? You can leave it out entirely, or try using thinly sliced green onions for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Your Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing is fantastic all on its own, but it also plays nicely with others! Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it.

For a light meal, I often pair this salad with a simple grilled chicken breast or some flaky grilled fish. The freshness of the salad really complements them.

If you want a more substantial dinner, a light soup like a tomato basil or a creamy vegetable soup is wonderful. It feels like a perfect spring or summer meal.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a little note about the numbers you might see for this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing.

The nutritional information provided is just an estimate. It’s based on typical ingredients and measurements.

Keep in mind that things like the specific brands you use, how much you actually pour for the dressing, and the exact size of your strawberries can all change the final values.

So, please use this information as a general guide, not a guaranteed precise count.

Ready to Try This Delicious Salad?

I really hope you give this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans & Poppy Seed Dressing a try! It’s truly one of my favorites.

If you make it, please let me know what you think in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And if you loved it, maybe leave a rating or share it with a friend.