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strawberry spinach salad coated in lemon poppyseed dressing in a large white serving bowl with serving utensils
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5 from 2 votes

Strawberry spinach salad

This healthy strawberry spinach salad with poppyseed dressing is always a crowd pleaser! It's made with feta, candied pecans, red onion and a healthy dressing that takes 5 minutes to make. You'll love how easy and healthy it is! Serve it as a side or add some chicken for a healthy lunch.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salad, spinach salad, strawberry salad, summer

Ingredients

Candied Pecans (Optional)

  • 3 cups pecans
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Strawberry Spinach Salad

  • 8-10 cups baby spinach
  • 3 cups ripe strawberries sliced
  • ½ small red onion
  • ½ cup candied pecans
  • cup crumbled feta

Poppyseed dressing:

  • 1/2 cup light olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 2 teaspoons mayonnaise optional for a creamier dressing

Instructions

  • If you're making the candied pecans, preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Add the large egg white to a bowl and beat or whisk thoroughly for 1-2 minutes, until frothy. Add the ground cinnamon, vanilla, salt and maple syrup to the egg white and gently stir. Add the pecans and fold them in until pecans are fully coated.
  • Pour pecans onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread into an even layer and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even baking. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, or until pecans harden.
  • While the pecans are cooling, prep the salad. Add the spinach to a large bowl then top with the strawberries, red onion, candied pecans and crumbled feta cheese. Set aside.
  • To make the dressing, add all of the ingredients to a medium glass jar with a lid. Close the lid and shake the dressing until it all combines. Pour over the prepared dressing and serve immediately.

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