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

Crunchy, sweet, tangy, and fresh all at once—that's exactly what the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe brings to your table. This salad balances bright strawberries and crunchy candied nuts with creamy feta and a zesty poppy seed dressing for a light but unforgettable meal or side.

A salad in a wooden bowl with three main layers: the bottom layer is bright green fresh spinach leaves, the middle layer has sliced red strawberries scattered evenly, and the top layer consists of crumbled white cheese and brown toasted pecans spread across the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture with some strawberries, cheese chunks, and pecans scattered around it, creating a fresh and colorful look. 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 can’t tell you how many times this strawberry spinach salad has brightened up a gathering or even just my family’s weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and packs a flavor punch without a fuss—perfect for when you want something fresh but feel like treating yourself a bit.

Perfect Balance: Sweet strawberries meet salty feta and crunchy nuts for an amazing flavor combo.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a fridge full of fancy stuff—just fresh spinach, nuts, and a few pantry staples.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the candied nuts and dressing early, making mealtime a breeze.
Impress Guests Easily: This salad looks vibrant and tastes gourmet with minimal effort—perfect for entertaining.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves forms the base layer, topped with bright red sliced strawberries evenly spread around the bowl. White small chunks of cheese are scattered between the spinach and strawberries, adding a soft texture. Dark brown nuts are sprinkled lightly over the salad, creating a crunchy contrast. A woman's hand holding a small white cup with black speckles pours a golden dressing down toward the center of the bowl. The background features a white marbled surface. 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 a harmony of textures and flavors. Picking good-quality walnuts or pecans makes candying them a real treat, while fresh baby spinach keeps the salad tender and vibrant. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look out for:

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves spread evenly, bright red sliced strawberries arranged neatly, a small pile of crumbled white feta cheese, whole uncracked brown walnuts alongside golden candied pecans, a few bright yellow lemon halves and thin lemon zest strips, a small white ceramic bowl with pale golden light olive oil, a small white bowl filled with tiny black poppy seeds, another small white bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a third white bowl holding fine light brown granulated brown sugar, a separate small white bowl with a pat of unsalted butter, and a small cluster of coarse kosher salt crystals scattered nearby; all ingredients placed symmetrically 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

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: I lean toward pecans for their rich flavor, but walnuts work great—just make sure they’re fresh for the best caramelizing results.
Brown Sugar: It adds the perfect molasses sweetness to the nuts without overpowering.
Unsalted Butter: Helps the sugar caramelize evenly and coats the nuts with a silky texture.
Light Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: Use light olive oil for a mild flavor or grapeseed oil if you want a more neutral base for the dressing.
Honey (Optional): Just a hint to deepen sweetness in the dressing.
Poppy Seeds: These add a subtle crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshness and acidity that brighten every bite.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without feeling harsh.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender, fresh greens are the perfect base for juicy strawberries and tangy cheese.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, firm berries for that burst of sweetness and color.
Feta Cheese: Adds creamy, salty contrast that brings everything together beautifully.
Candied Nuts: The crowning glory—sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive.

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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 to switch up this salad depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. Sometimes I swap out the nuts for almonds or add a handful of fresh herbs for a little extra freshness—it’s all about making it your own.

Variation: One time I added sliced avocado, and it took this salad to a whole new creamy level—highly recommend for extra richness.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free option, try replacing feta with a crumble of toasted chickpeas or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for tang.
Seasonal Twist: In fall, I swap strawberries for sliced pears and add a touch of cinnamon to the candied nuts—equally delicious!

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

Step 1: Candy Those Nuts Just Right

First things first: the candied nuts. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and stir in your nuts and brown sugar. Keep stirring until you see the sugar bubbling and coating the nuts evenly—this caramelization usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. A quick tip—keep the heat medium to avoid burning, and stir constantly to get every nut perfectly glossy. Once ready, spread them out on parchment paper so they cool in a single layer. This step adds a sweet crunch that makes the whole salad pop.

Step 2: Whisk Your Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine olive or grapeseed oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until everything emulsifies—that means it comes together in a smooth, creamy mixture instead of separating. I like to let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes so the flavors can marry perfectly. This lemony dressing is what ties the whole salad together with a brightness you’ll love.

Step 3: Toss and Serve Fresh

Grab a large bowl and add your fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and cooled candied nuts. Give ’em a gentle toss to mix without bruising the berries or wilting the spinach. Don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything crisp and fresh. Then just drizzle the lemon poppy seed dressing over the top and dig in—the contrast between sweet, tangy, salty, and crunchy will make your taste buds dance!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe turns out perfectly every time. These make all the difference between a good salad and a memorable one.

Timing Your Nuts: Don’t walk away when caramelizing nuts—they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Stir constantly and watch the sugar carefully.
Emulsify Your Dressing: Whisk the dressing vigorously and let it rest to blend those flavors well; it makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
Freshness is Key: Always use fresh spinach and ripe strawberries to avoid sogginess and keep that crisp, juicy bite.
Add Dressing Last: Toss the salad without dressing first, then drizzle right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra candied nuts on top for that wow factor and a little extra crunch. Sometimes a light grating of lemon zest right before serving gives it just a hint of zing that’s irresistible. A few fresh mint leaves can add a lovely color and refreshing twist if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This salad goes beautifully alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. For a vegetarian spread, pair it with crusty bread or a light lentil soup—perfect on warmer days or when you're craving something fresh yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad layered in individual glass cups so you see the pretty strawberries and nuts peeking through the spinach. It’s elegant and fun! You can also use mini mason jars for easy grab-and-go salads at picnics or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The greens and fruit stay fresher this way and prevent sogginess. I keep the salad in the fridge for up to a day—beyond that, the spinach tends to wilt and strawberries can get mushy.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh spinach and strawberries lose their texture. I recommend enjoying it fresh or prepping components like candied nuts ahead of time for convenience.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served fresh, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you have leftover candied nuts, you can warm them gently in a dry pan to freshen their crispness before adding to a fresh batch of salad.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed spring greens work well. Just keep in mind that spinach has a tender texture that pairs really well with the strawberries and candied nuts, so other greens might give a slightly different mouthfeel.

How do I keep the candied nuts crunchy?

Make sure to cool them completely on parchment in a single layer and store them separately from the salad in an airtight container. Adding them just before serving is key for that satisfying crunch.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The lemon poppy seed dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk or shake before drizzling it over your salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?

It can definitely be prepped for lunches if you keep the components separate—especially the dressing and candied nuts—to maintain freshness until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels both light and indulgent at the same time. It’s proof that with just a few fresh ingredients and a little love, you can create something that’s approachable yet elegant. Give it a try—I think you’ll find yourself reaching for this simple, colorful salad again and again to brighten your meals and impress your guests.