SPREAD LOVE

Short Catchy Intro

So you want something fresh, festive, and tiny bit fancy without sweating over a stove for hours? Same. This Spinach Strawberry and Pecan Salad shows up to the party looking like it tried hard but actually spent five minutes getting ready. Bright strawberries, crunchy pecans, tender spinach, and a slick of balsamic glaze make a combo that tastes like holiday cheer in a bowl. If you already love fruit salads with personality try this Fresh and Tangy Watermelon Salad with Feta for more fruity inspiration.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This salad does everything you want without trying too hard. It looks gorgeous. It tastes balanced between sweet, savory, and tang. It requires almost no cooking drama. Honestly it is idiot proof and yes I say that with confidence because even I did not mess it up the first time.

It works as a side dish or as a light main when you are pretending to be healthy
It comes together in minutes so you can still make it between holiday obligations
The textures play nice together crunchy pecans meet juicy strawberries and soft spinach
The balsamic glaze acts like a magic glue that ties everything together

Quick pro tip here bold the glaze and toast your pecans for extra oomph. You do not need to be a chef to impress people with this.

Ingredients Youll Need

Fresh spinach leaves
Juicy strawberries sliced
Crunchy pecans
Balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste

Keep it simple. Buy good strawberries and fresh spinach. If the greens are limp toss them. Fresh makes the whole thing pop.

Step by Step Instructions

In a large salad bowl combine the fresh spinach leaves sliced strawberries and crunchy pecans. Use a big bowl so you can toss without making a mess.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Go easy at first you can always add more.
Toss gently to combine. Make sure everything gets a light coating of glaze without squishing the strawberries.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. A little salt wakes up the strawberries and balances the sweetness.
Serve immediately as a refreshing side or main dish. This salad does not love sitting around so eat it soon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using sad old strawberries that taste like cardboard. If they do not smell like strawberries skip them.
Overdressing the salad. Too much glaze and you turn this into a saucy mess. A light hand wins.
Forgetting to toast the pecans. Raw pecans are fine but toasted ones taste like you cared more than you actually did.
Cutting strawberries into mushy pieces. Keep the slices chunky enough to bite into.
Letting the salad sit too long. Spinach wilts and strawberries leak juice which equals soggy salad.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Swap the pecans for sliced almonds if you want a milder crunch. Use walnuts if you like that richer slightly bitter nuttiness. Want to add protein toss in grilled chicken or a scoop of quinoa and call it dinner.

If you do not have balsamic glaze use a mix of balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey. Simmer them for a few minutes until the mixture thickens or just whisk them together for a looser dressing. For a vegan friendly twist use maple syrup instead of honey.

Feel like cheese Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for tangy creaminess. IMO goat cheese makes this salad feel slightly decadent in the best way.

If you need to swap greens try arugula for a peppery bite or mixed baby greens for variety. Spinach keeps the texture tender and mild but play around with what you have.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q Will the salad keep for later
A Want a crisp salad later Yes and no. Store components separately if you plan ahead. Keep spinach in one container strawberries in another and pecans in a third. Dress right before serving to avoid limp leaves.

Q Can I use frozen strawberries
A Technically yes but I would not recommend it. Frozen strawberries get mushy as they thaw and make the salad watery. Use fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Q How much balsamic glaze should I use
A Start with a tablespoon or two for a medium bowl. Add more if you like a stronger sweet tang. Remember you can always add more but you cannot take it away.

Q Are pecans essential
A Noo but they do add that toasted buttery crunch that makes the salad interesting. Substitute almonds walnuts or even pepitas if you prefer.

Q Can I make this nut free
A Absolutely. Skip the nuts and add toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for similar crunch without the nut allergy risk.

Q Is this salad good for entertaining
A Yes it is a crowd pleaser because it looks impressive and takes almost no effort to make. Pair it with roasted chicken or a holiday ham and you are golden.

Q Can I add other fruits
A Sure grapes or mandarin segments work well. Keep the ratio so the strawberries still shine.

Final Thoughts

This salad feels fancy but does not demand your life. It works for weeknight dinners holiday spreads or as a last minute dish you throw together when guests say they are on their way. The key moves are fresh ingredients a light hand with the glaze and a little love for the pecans.

Bold reminder toast the pecans for more flavor and always taste as you go. You got this. Now go impress someone or yourself with a salad that looks like you planned it all week.

Conclusion

Looking for a crunchy sweet snack to pair with this salad try the Sweet Spicy Slow Cooker Nuts recipe for a cozy homemade nibble. For more Naturopathic Doctor approved gluten and dairy free salad ideas check out this collection of Naturopathic Doctor approved gluten and dairy free salads.