What dressing goes best with spinach strawberry salad with pecans?

A tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette is the classic choice for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans. It balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the rich crunch of the pecans, while complementing the earthy spinach. For a fun twist, try a honey mustard or homemade poppy seed dressing—both taste amazing and keep your salad fresh and vibrant. If you’re curious about pairing flavors, check out my Tortellini Caprese Salad and Tortellini Pasta Salad for other creative dressing ideas.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in this salad?

Absolutely! Walnuts are a wonderful substitute for pecans in Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans. They offer a similar crunch and a slightly different flavor profile, which pairs nicely with strawberries and spinach. You can also try almonds or pistachios for variety—just toast them lightly for best results. Want more nutty inspiration? Try my Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad or Loaded Baked Potato Salad for other ways to use nuts in salads.

How far in advance can I make spinach strawberry salad?

You can prep the ingredients for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans up to one day ahead. Store spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted pecans separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and dress the salad right before serving to maintain the best texture. For more tips on prepping ahead, see my Easy Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna and 3 Ingredient No Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake for dishes you can make ahead.

How do I keep spinach salad from getting soggy?

To keep Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans from getting soggy, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Make sure your spinach and strawberries are completely dry after washing, and don’t overdress the salad. Serving immediately after assembling is the best way to enjoy crisp, fresh greens. For more tricks to keep salads fresh, check out my Cucumber Caprese Salad and Marinated Cucumbers, Onions & Tomatoes .

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans – 13-Minute Ultimate Delicious Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups baby spinach
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Wash and dry spinach and strawberries thoroughly.
Slice strawberries just before assembling.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
Layer spinach, strawberries, and pecans in a large bowl.
Add feta cheese if using.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, toss gently to combine.
Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

Notes

Prep ahead by storing ingredients separately and assembling just before serving.
For variety, swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or add grilled chicken for protein.
Try a homemade poppy seed or honey mustard dressing for a different flavor profile.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossed
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian