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Fresh Loaded Strawberry Spinach Salad with Caramelized Pecans

Fresh Loaded Strawberry Spinach Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad combining fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and sweet caramelized pecans with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups baby spinach (about 180g), fresh and crisp
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 300g), hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup pecans (about 120g), roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (can substitute coconut sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over the pecans, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the nuts in a glossy caramel. Transfer immediately to parchment paper to cool, separating any clumps.
  3. While pecans cool, rinse strawberries gently under cold water. Hull and slice them into thin pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
  5. In a large bowl, combine baby spinach and sliced strawberries. Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Add the caramelized pecans last to keep their crunch, and toss lightly to distribute.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Caramelize pecans over medium heat with constant stirring to avoid burning. Add pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy. Dressing can be stored separately if prepping ahead. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, caramelized pecans, healthy lunch, easy salad, fresh salad, balsamic dressing, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-loaded-strawberry-spinach-salad-with-caramelized-pecans-recipe-for-easy-healthy-lunch/