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 (from above)

There’s something about the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries paired with crisp spinach that just sings in every bite. The crunchy candied nuts add that irresistible, buttery crunch, making this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe a standout for any meal or gathering.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface with a light cloth underneath. The salad has a base layer of bright green spinach leaves, topped with red strawberry slices arranged evenly throughout. Small white crumbles of cheese are scattered across the strawberries and spinach. Dark brown pecan halves are also placed evenly on top, adding texture. Around the bowl are whole strawberries, pecans, and a block of white cheese on the side. The light gives a fresh and natural look to the scene. 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

From the first time I tossed together this strawberry spinach salad with candied nuts, I knew it was a keeper. It hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy—and feels fancy while being incredibly simple to throw together.

Fresh & Vibrant Flavors: The combination of juicy strawberries and crisp baby spinach makes every bite lively and refreshing.
Crunchy Candied Nuts: The candied nuts add a buttery sweetness and satisfying crunch that elevates this salad beyond ordinary.
Easy Homemade Dressing: The lemon poppy seed dressing is light, zesty, and perfectly balanced, making it a breeze to make and customize.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special brunch, this salad feels both wholesome and a little indulgent.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh spinach salad that has three layers: at the bottom, large bright green spinach leaves with smooth texture; on top, sliced red strawberries scattered evenly across the leaves; and small white dollops of soft cheese sprinkled throughout; a woman's hand is pouring yellow salad dressing with visible black pepper flakes from a small cup onto the salad; the background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe relies on fresh, simple ingredients that balance sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a delightful textural contrast. Here’s the scoop on why each ingredient shines:

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves, bright red strawberry slices, a small pile of crumbled white feta cheese, a handful of glossy candied pecans, whole brown walnuts, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with tiny black poppy seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth light brown dijon mustard, fresh lemon zest strands, a halved fresh lemon with visible juice droplets, and coarse kosher salt crystals in a small white ceramic bowl, arranged 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

Baby Spinach: Tender and mild, it forms the perfect green base that doesn't overpower the other flavors.
Strawberries: Their juicy sweetness is the salad’s star, offering bursts of freshness with every bite.
Walnuts or Pecans: When candied, these nuts bring crunch and caramelized sweetness that’s utterly addictive.
Brown Sugar: Helps create that beautiful caramel coating on the nuts, enhancing their natural flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the candied nuts without overpowering the salad.
Light Olive or Grapeseed Oil: A neutral oil that blends beautifully in the lemon poppy seed dressing without clouding flavors.
Honey (optional): A touch of extra sweetness in the dressing, especially if your strawberries aren’t as sweet as you'd like.
Poppy Seeds: Adds subtle crunch and a lovely visual contrast in the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Keeps the dressing emulsified and adds a slight tangy zip.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Brightens the entire salad with fresh citrus notes.
Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty, it perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit and nuts.

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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 find this salad incredibly versatile, so I love mixing it up depending on what’s in season or what flavors I’m craving. You can easily tune this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Swap Nuts: I sometimes use pecans instead of walnuts, and it makes a tasty variation with a slightly sweeter crunch.
Vegan Version: Skip the butter in the candied nuts and use maple syrup for sweetness, then swap feta for a tangy vegan cheese or omit it altogether.
Extra Fruit: Adding sliced avocado or blueberries can add creaminess or a juicier texture that I’ve really enjoyed.
Make it Heartier: Toss in some cooked quinoa or grilled chicken if you want to turn this into a full meal.

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

Step 1: Candied Nuts Magic

This step really sets the tone: melting butter and mixing in brown sugar with walnuts or pecans over medium heat. Stir continuously to coat all the nuts evenly. Watch carefully as the sugar caramelizes — about 3-4 minutes — and spreads a glossy, irresistible coating over the nuts. Don’t walk away here; caramel can burn fast. Once ready, spread nuts single-layer on parchment to cool so they crisp up perfectly and are easy to break apart.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk light olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and kosher salt until it’s thickened and emulsified. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 5 minutes so the flavors blend—this little wait is worth it! If you want it a bit sweeter, add a touch of honey.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Combine fresh baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cooled candied nuts, and crumbled feta cheese gently in a large bowl. Hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the nuts crunchy. Dress lightly and toss once, then enjoy immediately!

Top Tip

From my kitchen experiments, these tips have helped me perfect this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe, and I hope they make your salad-making smoother too.

Keep Nuts Cool: Always let candied nuts cool fully on parchment before mixing into the salad to avoid clumps and sogginess.
Dressing Timing: Prep your dressing early to allow flavors to meld—it really enhances the overall taste.
Strawberry Prep: Slice strawberries just before serving to maintain their juicy freshness.
Gentle Tossing: Use a large bowl and toss gently to keep spinach leaves intact and prevent bruising.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with a sprinkle of extra candied nuts on top for that final crunch, plus a light drizzle of extra lemon juice if it needs a little more zing. A few fresh mint leaves or basil sprigs also add a refreshing herbal note when I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced meal. For a relaxed gathering, I often serve it alongside crusty bread and a light, chilled white wine—it’s a combo that wins every time!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad in elegant individual glass bowls layered with the strawberries and spinach for a gorgeous look. You can also arrange strawberries in a pretty fan on top, then sprinkle nuts and feta artistically for a wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container without the dressing to keep the spinach from wilting and the nuts from going soggy. I usually add dressing only to the portion I intend to eat next day. Leftover salad tastes best within 24 hours.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing spinach and strawberries ruins their texture. I wouldn’t recommend freezing the Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe, but you can prepare and freeze the candied nuts separately if you want to save time later.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve added grilled protein alongside, that can be warmed gently in a pan or oven—and then tossed with freshly prepared salad for a fresh-and-warm combo that’s delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other berries besides strawberries in this salad?

Absolutely! Blueberries or raspberries can be great alternatives or additions to this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe, bringing different layers of flavor while keeping it fresh.

How do I keep the spinach from wilting?

The key is to add the dressing just before serving and toss gently. Also, use fresh, well-washed baby spinach and avoid dressing the salad too early to maintain crispiness in the leaves.

Can I prepare the candied nuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the candied nuts a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This saves time and keeps them perfectly crunchy for your salad.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Replace the butter with coconut oil or skip it entirely when candying the nuts, use maple syrup or agave for sweetness, and swap out the feta cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s simple yet impressive—something I can whip up last minute but still feel proud to serve. It’s a reminder that fresh ingredients and thoughtful little touches, like homemade candied nuts and a zingy dressing, make all the difference. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!