Fresh & Vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something about the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and creamy tang that makes this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese my go-to for any occasion. One afternoon, craving something fresh yet satisfying, I tossed together tender baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and those irresistible candied pecans I couldn’t stop snacking on. The creamy goat cheese sprinkled on top brought it all together in a way that felt both light and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a weeknight dinner or impress guests with a vibrant, flavorful salad, this recipe hits all the right notes—quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how salads this delicious have been hiding from you all along!

Why choose Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese?

Freshness that pops: Juicy strawberries and crisp baby spinach create a vibrant base. Perfect crunch: Candied pecans add a sweet, crunchy contrast that keeps every bite exciting. Creamy indulgence: Tangy goat cheese balances the sweetness with rich creaminess. Quick & easy: Ready in minutes, ideal for busy nights or last-minute guests. Versatile delight: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a light meal.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese Ingredients

For the Salad Base

Baby spinach – Use fresh, tender leaves for the best texture and vibrant color.
Strawberries – Pick ripe, juicy berries for natural sweetness and a pop of red.

For the Candied Pecans

Pecans – Toast lightly before candying to deepen flavor and crunch.
Brown sugar – Helps caramelize the pecans for that irresistible sweet coating.
Butter – Adds richness when coating the pecans for candying.

For the Cheese & Dressing

Goat cheese – Crumbled gently for creamy tang that perfectly complements the sweet elements.
Balsamic vinegar – Provides a balanced, tangy dressing base that lifts the whole salad.
Olive oil – Use extra virgin for a smooth, fruity finish in the dressing.
Honey – Adds subtle sweetness that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.

Try this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese to enjoy a burst of fresh, crunchy, and creamy flavors all in one beautifully simple dish!

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Wash & dry spinach: Rinse 6 cups baby spinach under cold water, spin or pat leaves completely dry so the dressing clings and keeps your salad crisp and fresh.
Hull & slice strawberries: Remove stems, then thinly slice 1 pound of ripe strawberries for juicy bursts of sweetness that pop against tender greens.
For the Candied Pecans: Melt ¼ cup butter and ⅓ cup brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until bubbly. Add 1 cup pecans, tossing to coat until golden, about 5 minutes.
Make the dressing: Whisk 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, pinch of salt and pepper in a jar until emulsified into a smooth, tangy-sweet dressing.
Add goat cheese & serve: Crumble 4 ounces goat cheese over the dressed salad, toss lightly, then enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese immediately for creamy, crunchy bliss.

Optional: Drizzle extra honey over pecans for a sweeter finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Dry spinach thoroughly: Make sure your baby spinach leaves are completely dry before dressing to prevent sogginess and keep the salad crisp.
Use ripe strawberries: Choose fresh, ripe strawberries to ensure natural sweetness that balances the tangy goat cheese perfectly.
Candy pecans carefully: Stir pecans constantly when candying to avoid burning and maintain that ideal crunchy texture for the salad.
Emulsify the dressing: Shake or whisk the balsamic dressing well so the oil and vinegar combine smoothly, coating the salad evenly.
Add goat cheese last: Crumble the goat cheese just before serving to keep its creamy texture intact and prevent it from melting too soon.

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Candied Pecans: These can be stored in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, preserving their crunchiness for topping future salads.
Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing the salad, as the strawberries and spinach won’t maintain their texture. Instead, prep the ingredients fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
Reheating: If you’ve prepared the candied pecans in advance, reheat them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes to refresh their flavor before adding to your salad.

What to Serve with Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese?

Elevate your meal experience with delightful pairings that bring out the flavors of this refreshing salad.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and smoky, grilled chicken adds a satisfying protein element that complements the salad’s vibrant freshness beautifully. Serve it sliced atop the salad for a colorful presentation!
Balsamic Glazed Salmon: The sweet and tangy notes of balsamic glaze enhance the salad’s dressing, providing a harmonious blend of flavors that dances on your palate.
Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs offers a nutty foundation that pairs perfectly with the salad, adding a wholesome, satisfying texture.
Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread with a crispy crust adds perfect crunch, giving your meal a comforting touch while soaking up any extra dressing.
Sparkling Water with Mint: Refreshing sparkling water infused with mint provides a cooling contrast to the sweetness in the salad, creating an invigorating drink to cleanse your palate.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a sweet finish, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries that echo the flavors of the salad while treating yourself to a decadent dessert experience.
Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or camembert, elegantly enhances the creamy goat cheese in the salad, creating a delightful contrast between rich and fresh flavors.

Explore these pairings for a meal that’s not only delicious but also beautifully balanced, leaving you and your guests cravings for more!

Strawberry Spinach Salad Variations

Feel free to make this delightful salad your own with these customizations that will enhance its flavor and texture!

Nut-Free: Substitute candied pecans with crispy sunflower seeds for a crunchy and nut-free alternative. They add a similar texture without the allergens.
Vegan: Swap goat cheese for creamy avocado slices and replace honey with maple syrup to keep it plant-based while maintaining richness.
Cheese Change: Try feta cheese instead of goat for a saltier flavor that adds a different dimension to the salad’s profile. The sharpness of feta contrasts beautifully with sweet strawberries.
Fruit Burst: Add sliced apples or mandarin oranges along with the strawberries for delicious twists of fresh sweetness. This layer adds extra color and zest to every bite.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh mint or basil into the salad for a refreshing herbal note that elevates the flavor experience and feels like a garden feast.
Heat Lovers: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
Grain Boost: Serve this salad over a bed of quinoa or farro for added protein and a satisfying chew. It transforms the dish into a heartier main course.
Dress It Up: Experiment with citrus vinaigrettes or green goddess dressing to change the flavor profile. Each dressing brings a unique twist that can change the entire dish!

Make Ahead Options

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the candied pecans and the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, while the dressing can be refrigerated in a jar. For the salad, wash and dry the baby spinach up to 24 hours ahead, and keep it in a sealed bag in the fridge to maintain its crispness. When you’re ready to serve, slice the strawberries fresh for optimal flavor and toss everything together with the dressing. You’ll have a vibrant and delicious salad that feels freshly made, effortlessly bringing joy to your meal!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the strawberries are ripe enough for the salad?
Look for berries that are bright red all over with no white tips or green patches. They should be firm but slightly soft when gently squeezed, not mushy or with dark spots all over.

What’s the best way to store leftover salad if I want it fresh for the next day?
Keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers. Store the spinach and strawberries refrigerated for up to 2 days, and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

Can I freeze the candied pecans for later use?
Absolutely! Candied pecans freeze well in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To refresh them, just toast briefly in a dry skillet to bring back their crunch and flavor before adding to your salad.

My candied pecans sometimes get burnt or sticky—how can I avoid that?
It’s all about constant stirring and moderate heat. Use medium heat and keep stirring the pecans as the butter and sugar melt, removing from heat as soon as they look glossy and evenly coated to prevent burning or clumping.

Is this salad safe for pets or any common allergen concerns?
While this salad is delicious for humans, pecans and onions (if added in variations) can be harmful to dogs and some pets. Also, if you or guests have nut allergies, you can substitute candied sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds safely. Goat cheese may be unsuitable for lactose-intolerant individuals, so try a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar creamy tang.