Description
A refreshing Louisiana Strawberry Spinach Salad featuring a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing, candied pecans, fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and crumbled blue cheese. This salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 250 g / 8 oz fresh strawberries, tops cut off
- 3/4 cups balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 tsp salt
Candied Pecans
- 1 cup pecans, mostly whole (can chop some)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp / 30 g butter
Salad
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed
- 16 large strawberries (250 g / 8 oz), sliced
- 75 – 100 g / 2 – 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Blend the fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, strawberry jam, and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. Optionally strain the dressing to remove small strawberry seeds. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Candy the Pecans: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add pecans and toss to coat evenly. Then add brown sugar and stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the pecans. Immediately pour the mixture onto the lined tray, spread out evenly, and allow to cool and harden.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach and half of the sliced strawberries. Drizzle some dressing over and toss gently to coat. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, top with the remaining strawberries, then drizzle additional dressing on top.
- Add Cheese and Pecans: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the salad and scatter the candied pecans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and substitute with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese based on preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce brown sugar in the dressing and pecans accordingly.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the spinach and texture of pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Louisiana, American
Keywords: strawberry spinach salad, strawberry balsamic dressing, candied pecans, blue cheese salad, fresh spinach salad, summer salad, Louisiana recipe
