Best Spinach Strawberry Salad (Homemade Dressing) + Video

5 stars from 6 reviews

Best Spinach Strawberry Salad (Homemade Dressing) + Video

This Spinach Strawberry Salad will rock your world! Combine fresh spinach, sweet berries, avocado, and candied nuts into the best salad ever.

Author: Donna Elick

Servings:

Prep Time25

Cook Time5

Total Time30

Ingredients

Candied Pecan Ingredients

1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup pecan halves
pinch salt

Dressing Ingredients

2 tablespoons granulated sugar See Notes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salad Ingredients

10 ounces fresh baby spinach rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
1/4 red onion sliced
1 quart fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 avocado pitted, flesh cut into bite-sized pieces
2.5 ounces blue cheese crumbles (half of a 5-ounce package), See Notes

Instructions

Place a silpat mat or a sheet of parchment paper on the counter top to dry the pecans.
In a small skillet over medium heat melt butter. Add pecans, sugar and salt. Stir until pecans are well coated. Stir with heat-safe silicone spatula until the sugar caramelizes, about 3-5 minutes.
Spread onto silpat or parchment paper. Separate pecans. Allow to cool.
Meanwhile, as pecans cool, add dressing ingredients to a large mason jar. Seal with lid and shake until well combined. Set dressing aside.
In a large serving bowl, combine baby spinach, onions, strawberries and blueberries.
Pour half of the dressing over salad, and toss to combine. Top with avocado, cheese and candied nuts.
Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor, or serve immediately.
Serve with the remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Mozzarella, feta or goat cheese are also amazing on this salad.
You can eliminate some calories and sugar by subbing plain pecans for the candied ones, and by omitting the sugar from the dressing.
The dressing may solidify in the refrigerator. It is best to allow dressing to sit on the counter for a bit, then shake well before using.
Add sliced grilled chicken or another cooked protein of your choice for a fabulous summer meal.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prep the salad ingredients and dressing. Refrigerate in covered containers for up to 2 days. Add dressing to the salad about 15 minutes before serving. This will help keep the spinach from wilting.

Nutrition