Strawberry Spinach Salad

Savor the fresh flavors of spring with this easy strawberry spinach salad. Baby spinach, strawberries, fresh basil, onion, crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans are tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, making this salad the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

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Spring is right around the corner – and with it comes so many fresh and delicious foods. This easy strawberry spinach salad is a great way to enjoy those fresh seasonal fruits and veggies. Baby spinach, strawberries, and basil are all at their best spring through early summer, so enjoy them while you can!

What You’ll Love About This Strawberry Spinach Salad

Sweet and savory flavors. While this salad leans towards the sweet side with strawberries, candied pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette, the savory elements blend so well.

Easy to make. I love green salads for their simplicity and ease. With just a few minutes of prep work and tossing some ingredients in a bowl, you can have a delicious side dish ready to serve.

Beautiful presentation. This salad is so pretty! All the colors in this salad make it both delicious and beautiful.

What You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Baby spinach

Fresh strawberries

Fresh basil leaves

Candied pecans – I make my own candied pecans (see instructions below!), but you can also use store bought.

Onion – I used yellow onion for the salad pictured, but you can use any kind.

Goat cheese – fresh chevre goat cheese. It’s a very mild tasting, creamy cheese.

Salt and pepper

Balsamic vinegar

Olive oil

How to Make Candied Pecans

These candied pecans are simply the best – so easy to make and so delicious! I like to sprinkle a little salt over them while they’re cooling.

In a small saucepan, combine the following ingredients.

• ¼ cup pecans – halves or pieces
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Place the saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the maple syrup is absorbed. The pecans should be nicely coated but sticky. Transfer the pecans from the saucepan to a piece of wax paper. Spread them out a bit to cool. Sprinkle a little salt over the pecans if desired.

How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad

Add baby spinach to a large salad bowl. Spread diced strawberries, sliced basil leaves, sliced onion, and chopped candied pecans over the top of the spinach. Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles across the top.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. For an impressive presentation, serve as is. Toss to combine before enjoying.