Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup 84 g chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tbsp 24 g brown sugar; 2 tsp 9 g unsalted butter; 1/4 cup 60 mL light olive oil or grapeseed oil; 1/2 tsp 4 g honey (optional); 1/2 tsp 4 g poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp 4 g dijon mustard; Zest of half lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 tsp 4 g kosher salt; 8 oz 240 g fresh baby spinach, washed; 8 oz 240 g fresh strawberries, sliced; 5 oz 130 g feta cheese, crumbled; 3/4 cup candied pecans or nuts

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries, tender spinach, and crunchy nuts tossed with a zesty homemade dressing, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe with you. This salad is a celebration of flavors and textures that always brightens up any meal.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer has bright green spinach leaves with smooth texture, the middle layer has sliced red strawberries, some showing the white seeds and inner flesh, and the top layer is dotted with small white crumbles of cheese along with dark brown pecan halves scattered evenly. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered pecans, some whole strawberries, a chunk of white cheese with crumbs around it, and a light cloth underneath. The lighting is soft and natural, showing fresh colors and textures clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this salad countless times, and honestly, it never disappoints. The sweet strawberries paired with the crunch of candied nuts and the tangy poppy seed dressing creates a perfect harmony that’s fresh, flavorful, and downright addictive. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week.

Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty come together beautifully in every bite.
Easy to customize: You can tweak the nuts or cheese to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Crowd-pleasing: This salad always gets compliments and is a hit at potlucks and family dinners.
Quick to prepare: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect when you want something fresh without fuss.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves as the base layer, topped with bright red sliced strawberries scattered evenly. Small white dollops of soft cheese are spread across the salad, along with dark brown pecans placed throughout. A light yellow dressing with visible black pepper specks is being poured from a small white pitcher held by a woman's hand above the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few whole strawberries blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe plays its part to create that delightful combination of textures and tastes. Here are some tidbits to keep in mind when shopping or prepping so you get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves arranged neatly, a small pile of bright red strawberry slices, a handful of whole pecans, a small white ceramic bowl of golden light olive oil, a small white bowl containing a pale yellow mixture of Dijon mustard and poppy seeds, a few whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells (note: eggs appear in recipe's nutrition but not ingredients, so omit eggs), a small white bowl with crumbled white feta cheese, a small heap of finely grated fresh lemon zest, a small white bowl with glistening honey, a small white bowl of brown sugar crystals, a chunk of unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Walnuts or pecans: I love using either, but pecans tend to be slightly sweeter and softer; walnuts add a bit more bite and earthiness.
Brown sugar: This adds the right touch of caramel sweetness to your nuts without overwhelming the salad.
Unsalted butter: Essential for making the candied nuts rich, but keeping it unsalted helps control the overall saltiness.
Light olive oil or grapeseed oil: Both have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the dressing.
Honey (optional): I find it helps balance the tart lemon juice nicely but feel free to skip if you prefer a tangier dressing.
Poppy seeds: They give the dressing a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that’s just so good.
Dijon mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and adds a slight kick that rounds out the flavors.
Lemon zest and juice: Freshly zested lemon brightens every ingredient, making this salad feel fresh and lively.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
Fresh baby spinach: Tender and mild, it’s the perfect green to pair with sweet strawberries and salty feta.
Fresh strawberries: Pick ripe, juicy ones—they make all the difference in sweetness and texture.
Feta cheese: Its salty tang contrasts beautifully with the sweet berries and crunchy nuts.
Candied nuts: The star crunch of the salad, making every mouthful interesting and delicious.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. I often switch up the nuts or cheese depending on what I have on hand or the season, and you should too—it’s all about making it work for your taste.

Variation: I’ve swapped pecans for almonds or walnuts, and added sliced avocado for a creamy twist that’s been a hit with my family.
Dietary modification: To keep it vegan, try using maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese.
Seasonal tweaks: When strawberries aren’t in season, fresh blueberries or sliced peaches also pair beautifully with spinach and the candied nuts.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Candy the Nuts to Perfection

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so your candied nuts don’t stick later. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then toss in your chosen nuts and brown sugar. Keep stirring constantly to coat every piece and watch carefully as the sugar begins to caramelize—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once you see the nuts glistening and smelling sweetly toasted, spread them out evenly on the baking sheet. Press them into a single layer so they cool fast and won’t clump together. I like to use a silicone spatula here for easy mixing and scraping.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Bright Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients come together in a smooth, slightly thickened dressing. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-15 minutes to allow the flavors to really meld—this step is key for that bright, harmonious taste.

Step 3: Toss and Serve Just Before Eating

In a large salad bowl, mix the fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cooled candied nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. One of my favorite tips is to keep your dressing separate until the last moment—this keeps the spinach from wilting and your candied nuts crunchy. Pour the lemon poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently. It’s so pretty and so delicious.

Top Tip

Having made this salad dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few handy tips that make all the difference between a good salad and a great one—you’ll appreciate these on your next try.

Cool those nuts: Don’t skip letting your candied nuts cool completely before adding to the salad—they stay crunchy and easy to separate.
Prep early: You can make the candied nuts and dressing ahead and store them separately in airtight containers to save time.
Choose ripe strawberries: The sweet juicy berries are the shining stars; underripe ones make the salad taste bland.
Dressing timing: Wait until just before serving to add your dressing to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra crumbled feta or a few whole candied nuts on top for presentation. A few mint leaves add a fresh pop of color and a subtle cooling note that pairs wonderfully with the lemon dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fantastic side for grilled chicken or salmon, and it goes well with anything light and summery. I also enjoy pairing it with crusty bread or as part of a picnic spread with cheese and charcuterie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the salad in individual glass bowls or pretty mason jars. It makes a charming presentation that lets the vibrant colors shine through. Another fun idea: layer the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl for a striking salad centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the salad components separately—spinach with strawberries in one container, candied nuts in another, and dressing in a small jar. The spinach wilts quickly once dressed, but kept separate they stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing

This salad isn’t great for freezing because the fresh spinach and strawberries lose their texture and flavor. I suggest making it fresh whenever possible to enjoy that crisp, juicy goodness.

Reheating

Since it’s a fresh salad, reheating doesn’t apply here—though you can let the salad come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off, which can enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens make fantastic substitutes. Just keep in mind the flavor profile changes—arugula adds a peppery kick, which is great for contrast.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the candied nuts and dressing up to 2 days ahead. Keep the salad ingredients separate and toss just before serving to enjoy maximum freshness.

Can I make this salad nut-free?

Yes! Simply omit the candied nuts or substitute with roasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for that crunchy texture.

What should I do if I can’t find fresh strawberries?

Try fresh raspberries or blueberries as alternatives, or wait for in-season fruit. Using frozen berries isn’t ideal since they get mushy when thawed.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe has become one of my go-to salads because it’s so fresh, vibrant, and easy to make. It’s one of those dishes I’m always excited to share with friends because it feels both special and approachable. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s sure to brighten your table and your day!