As spring unfolds its vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, there’s one seasonal delight that steals the spotlight – strawberries. Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, these ruby-red gems are a quintessential symbol of the season. And what better way to celebrate their arrival than with a refreshing Pecan Strawberry Salad adorned with mixed greens and tangy feta cheese?
Enjoy this Pecan Strawberry Salad adorned with bright red and juicy strawberries, candied pecans, and tangy feta cheese. It is coated with a sweet maple vinaigrette.
If you are looking for another southern salad try the Green Jacket Salad.
Jump to:
- Strawberries & Sunshine
- Choosing Quality Ingredients for Pecan Strawberry Salad
- Where Strawberries Thrive and Make for a Great Pecan Strawberry Salad
- Prepping for Pecan Strawberry Salad Perfection
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Substitutions & Variations
- Conclusion
- Storage
- Top tip
- Related
- Pecan Strawberry Salad (With Mixed Greens & Feta)
- Food safety
Strawberries & Sunshine
One sunny day as I journey to the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina to get local strawberries for my daughter’s Berry First Birthday party I was greeted with the most lovely aroma of fresh strawberries. It was the start of strawberry season, and I couldn’t resist the allure of the freshest, most luscious strawberries lining the shelves. Though I only needed one flat, I really wanted to buy two. My husband had to hold me back.
Choosing Quality Ingredients for Pecan Strawberry Salad
When crafting this exquisite salad, the importance of selecting high-quality ingredients cannot be overstated. Opting for organic strawberries is paramount, as conventionally grown strawberries are often heavily sprayed with herbicides. Supporting local farms, like the ones that supply Swamp Rabbit Café, ensures not only superior flavor but also a commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Where Strawberries Thrive and Make for a Great Pecan Strawberry Salad
Strawberries thrive in regions with mild climates and fertile soil, making places like South Carolina ideal for their cultivation. The combination of warm days and cool nights imparts a depth of flavor that elevates each bite of the Pecan Strawberry Salad to new heights. This makes the Pecan Strawberry Salad a southern delight!
Prepping for Pecan Strawberry Salad Perfection
To streamline the salad preparation process, I recommend prepping the ingredients ahead of time and storing them separately. This not only ensures freshness but also makes assembly a breeze. I personally like to organize each component in individual bags, with an open container for organization and easy access in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- Mixed greens, Spinach, or arugula
- Fresh, ripe strawberries, sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Candied pecans (see recipe card)
- Maple vinaigrette (see recipe card)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
See recipe card for greater detail.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the maple vinaigrette dressing until well combined. Set aside. Make pecans. See recipe card.
In a large salad bowl, wet greens with dressing. Drizzle the maple vinaigrette dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious strawberry feta spinach salad with candied pecans!
Hint: Only use half of the dressing recipe when preparing the salad for guests! Set out the remaining vinaigrette in a dish to allow guests to add additional dressing if they choose.
Substitutions & Variations
Other Fruits: While strawberries undoubtedly steal the show, feel free to experiment with seasonal variations such as blueberries or raspberries. However, there’s something undeniably enchanting about the juicy sweetness of strawberries that sets the Pecan Strawberry Salad apart.
Goat Cheese: Try goat cheese for an equally exquisite delight!
Greens: Arugula goes great with strawberries! Try substituting some or all of the greens with this spicy and flavorful green.
Conclusion
As strawberry season unfolds, indulge in the irresistible flavors of spring with a Pecan Strawberry Salad that celebrates the bounty of the season. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is a testament to the simple pleasures found in quality ingredients and the joy of seasonal eating. So, gather your freshest strawberries, crisp greens, and tangy feta, and let the flavors of spring dance on your palate with every delightful bite.
Storage
Prep ingredients ahead and store in individual containers or bags. Keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Top tip
Try to stick to softer greens such as spinach or arugala!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pecan Strawberry Salad (With Mixed Greens & Feta)
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed greens and spinach
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup candied pecans see ingredients below
- 1 serving vinaigrette See ingredients below
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Candied Pecans:
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the maple vinaigrette dressing until well combined. Set aside.
- To make the candied pecans, add pecans and maple syrup to frying pan and bring to a simmer. Once pecans have reached a simmer turn them down to a medium-low setting and cook until moisture has evaporated and pecans appear glazed. In a small bowl, toss the pecan halves with maple syrup and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a sheet of wax paper and allow to cool completely before using.
- In a large salad bowl, wet mixed greens using half of the dressing.
- Top with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans. You can choose to toss together if you prefer.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious strawberry feta spinach salad with candied pecans!
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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