Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 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 (prepared from above)

Nothing says fresh and delightful like a vibrant mix of sweet strawberries, tender spinach, and crunchy nuts. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe is one of my go-to dishes that brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures to the table every time.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh bright green spinach leaves forms the bottom layer. On top, there are slices of red strawberries with white and red juicy texture visible inside, evenly spread around. Scattered among the strawberries and spinach are small brown pecans adding a rich texture. White crumbled cheese pieces are sprinkled all over the salad, providing a contrast to the colors. Outside the bowl, some whole strawberries and pecans lie on a soft white cloth next to crumbled white cheese on a light wooden surface, all set against a white marbled background. 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

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines such simple ingredients but delivers so much personality. Every bite bursts with freshness, sweetness, and a little crunch that keeps you reaching for more.

Fresh and Flavorful: The juicy strawberries paired with tender baby spinach create an irresistible combo that tastes like spring in every bowl.
Crunchy Candied Nuts: Those homemade candied pecans add a sweet, crunchy layer that elevates this salad from ordinary to spectacular.
Easy Homemade Dressing: The lemon poppy seed dressing is tangy and bright, tying all the ingredients together perfectly without overpowering.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a stunning side for your next dinner party.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh green spinach leaf base, layered with bright red sliced strawberries scattered evenly on top. Small white dollops of soft cheese are placed around the strawberries, mixed with some brown nuts adding texture. A woman's hand is pouring a light yellow dressing with visible black pepper specks over the salad. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with blurred strawberries 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 a role in crafting the perfect taste and texture harmony. Plus, they’re easy to find, which means you can whip this up pretty much anytime.

Flat lay of fresh bright red sliced strawberries, vibrant green baby spinach leaves, a small pile of crumbled white feta cheese, a small mound of glossy candied pecans, a few whole light brown walnuts, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing tiny black poppy seeds, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with clear honey, a clean fresh whole lemon cut in half with visible zest, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, arranged in 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: These nuts make the salad crunchy and satisfying; candied with brown sugar and butter, they bring a toasty sweetness that’s simply addictive.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon dressing and the natural sweetness of strawberries.
Unsalted Butter: Helps caramelize the nuts evenly without adding extra saltiness, letting you control the seasoning better.
Light Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: A neutral oil base for the dressing that carries the bright lemon flavors without overpowering the salad.
Honey (optional): Just a tiny touch to boost the sweetness in the dressing if your lemons aren’t quite ripe.
Poppy Seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and a pop of visual interest to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a slight tang and helps emulsify the dressing so it coats the salad ingredients beautifully.
Lemon Zest & Juice: These give the dressing freshness and brightness that lift the whole salad.
Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overwhelming them.
Fresh Baby Spinach: The base of this salad, soft and mild, providing a leafy green freshness that pairs wonderfully with sweet and salty toppings.
Fresh Strawberries: Their juicy sweetness balances the salty feta and crunchy candied nuts with every bite.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for that salty, creamy contrast that adds richness without heaviness.

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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

I love mixing things up a bit with this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe, depending on the season and who I’m serving. It’s super flexible, so feel free to personalize to your taste.

Variation: One time, I swapped out the walnuts for almonds and added sliced avocado—trust me, the creaminess from the avocado takes this salad to a whole new level.
Dietary Tweaks: If you’re dairy-free, try swapping feta for a tangy vegan cheese or omit it altogether—you won’t miss it!
Seasonal Switch-ups: When strawberries aren’t in season, try blueberries or sliced peaches; it’s surprisingly delicious.
Spice it Up: A dash of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes in the dressing adds a subtle kick that wakes up your palate.

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

Step 1: Candied Nuts Magic

This part is the secret weapon. Melt the butter gently in a nonstick skillet, then toss in your chopped nuts and brown sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar starts to caramelize and coats each nut evenly — about 3 to 4 minutes. Spread them out on parchment paper in a single layer so they cool and crisp up nicely. Don’t skip this step — homemade candied nuts bring a sweetness and crunch that store-bought can’t match.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a bowl, mix together your olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon zest and juice, and kosher salt. Give it a vigorous whisk until everything is emulsified. Letting it sit for 5 to 15 minutes really lets those bright flavors blend beautifully. If your lemons aren’t really sweet, a half teaspoon of honey helps balance the tartness.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Pop your washed baby spinach into a large bowl along with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and those beautifully cooled candied nuts. I like to toss everything together gently so the fruit doesn’t get bruised but everything gets evenly mixed. Save the dressing to pour on only right before serving to keep the spinach crisp.

Top Tip

From my experience, the candied nuts and the fresh dressing are game changers here. It’s those little details that transform a simple salad into something memorable.

Patience with Nuts: Don’t rush the caramelizing step — stirring constantly prevents burning and ensures even coating.
Room Temperature Dressings: Let your dressing rest at room temp for a bit to really marry the flavors before adding it to the salad.
Wash & Dry Greens Thoroughly: Excess water makes your salad soggy quickly. Use a salad spinner to keep everything crisp.
Dress at Serving Time: Adding dressing just before eating keeps the spinach fresh and crunchy rather than wilted.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

strawberry spinach salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra candied nuts on top just before serving—they’re not only beautiful but add a fabulous crunch. Sometimes I add fresh mint leaves for an herbal brightness that plays well with the sweet and salty flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad is fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light lunch or dinner. I also love serving it with a crusty baguette or warm, garlicky focaccia to soak up all those delicious dressing flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try layering the salad in clear glass jars with each component visible—it makes for a stunning presentation that guests can’t resist. Or serve it on a large wooden platter piled high with the vibrant colors bursting through. It’s a real showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the leftover salad components separate—the greens and fruit in one container and the nuts and feta in another. The dressing goes in a sealed jar. This keeps everything fresh and stops the spinach from wilting prematurely.

Freezing

Since this salad thrives on freshness, I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of spinach and strawberries just doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no reheating needed. Just drizzle on your leftover dressing and toss again for a fresh taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the candied nuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the candied nuts a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing to keep them crisp.

What kind of strawberries should I use?

Fresh, ripe strawberries work best—look for ones that are bright red with no bruises or mushy spots. Buying locally when they’re in season makes a big difference in flavor.

Can I substitute the spinach?

Yes! Baby kale or mixed spring greens are excellent alternatives if you want a bit more texture or a different flavor profile. Just make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly.

How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?

It’s best to dress the salad just before eating. Once dressed, it stays fresh for up to 1-2 hours at room temperature. Beyond that, the spinach may wilt and the texture will change.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe is one I find myself reaching for again and again. It’s simple, quick, and feels a little special every time I serve it. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, it’s a salad that never disappoints—and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do.