Spinach Salad Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade spinach salad with this easy recipe! Perfectly balanced with sweet strawberries, salty feta, crunchy candied pecans and a honey balsamic dressing that ties everything together. A foolproof fresh salad that's ready in minutes but impressive enough for guests.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g fresh baby spinach</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g strawberries, hulled and sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g feta cheese, crumbled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g pecans</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red onion, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the dressing:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml balsamic vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml extra virgin olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp Dijon mustard</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small clove garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 310 calories

🥑 Fat: 22 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 6 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 18 g

🍭 Sugar: 12 g

🍗 Protein: 9 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 35 mg

🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet with parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mason jar (for dressing)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by preparing the candied pecans. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add brown sugar and stir until dissolved (about 2-3 minutes). The mixture should bubble slightly but not burn. Add the pecans and stir continuously for 3 minutes until they're fully coated and the mixture is caramelized.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Carefully transfer the coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet, separating them quickly with a fork before the caramel sets. Allow them to cool completely (about 15 minutes) - during this time, the sugar will harden and create that delightful crunch that balances the soft spinach leaves.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>While the pecans cool, prepare the dressing. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously (or whisk) until the dressing is well emulsified. The mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar combine into a smooth, unified dressing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>If you haven't already, cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and break or chop into bite-sized pieces. The rendered fat from the bacon adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and dressing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>In a large serving bowl, arrange the fresh spinach leaves. Washing and thoroughly drying your spinach is crucial - any excess water will dilute the dressing and cause the leaves to wilt prematurely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top the spinach with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, and the cooled candied pecans. The careful layering of ingredients ensures each serving gets a balanced mix of flavors and textures.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Just before serving, drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients. The acid in the balsamic vinegar will start to break down the spinach leaves, so it's best to dress the salad right before eating. Serve the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add according to their preference.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Spinach Salad Recipe?

This vibrant salad combines fresh baby spinach, strawberries, feta cheese, bacon, candied pecans, and red onion. The honey balsamic dressing features balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper for a perfect sweet-savory balance.

How to cook Spinach Salad Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Spinach Salad Recipe by first making candied pecans in a butter-sugar mixture, then preparing a honey balsamic dressing by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and seasonings. Cook your bacon until crisp, then assemble by layering spinach, strawberries, feta, onion, bacon and pecans before drizzling with dressing.

Can I make the candied pecans ahead of time?

Absolutely! Candied pecans can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Making them ahead saves time when assembling your salad and allows the caramelised coating to fully set for maximum crunch.

What's the best way to prevent a soggy spinach salad?

To prevent sogginess, thoroughly dry your spinach after washing, add the dressing just before serving, and serve additional dressing on the side. You can also layer ingredients with spinach on the bottom and more robust toppings above to create a barrier against moisture.

Are there any vegetarian substitutions for the bacon in this salad?

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute bacon with smoked almonds, coconut bacon, tempeh bacon, or roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika. These alternatives provide similar savory notes and textural contrast while keeping the dish meat-free.

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