Print

Fresh Spring Mix Salad with Strawberries and Candied Pecans

fresh spring mix salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy fresh spring mix salad featuring juicy strawberries, homemade candied pecans, and a light poppy seed dressing. Perfect for spring and summer, this salad is a crowd-pleaser with a delightful balance of sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups spring mix greens (about 150g)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 150g)
  • 1 cup pecans, halves or pieces (about 100g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (14g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (1.3g)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (75g)
  • For the poppy seed dressing:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (2g)
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes syrupy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add pecans: Toss 1 cup of pecans into the syrup. Stir to coat evenly, cooking for another 2 minutes until pecans are glossy and caramelized. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
  3. Cool pecans: Spread candied pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them cool completely. They’ll harden as they cool, giving you that perfect crunch.
  4. Make the poppy seed dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Set aside.
  5. Prep the salad: Rinse and dry 5 cups of spring mix greens. Hull and slice 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Thinly slice 1/4 of a small red onion (optional) and crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese.
  6. Toss the salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the spring mix, sliced strawberries, red onion, and feta. Drizzle with poppy seed dressing and toss lightly until everything is coated but not soggy.
  7. Add candied pecans: Just before serving, sprinkle candied pecans on top for a sweet crunch. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Candy the pecans a day ahead and store in an airtight container to deepen flavors. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice strawberries cleanly without squashing. Dry greens thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing. For dairy-free, swap mayonnaise with vegan mayo or coconut yogurt and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring mix salad, strawberries, candied pecans, poppy seed dressing, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-spring-mix-salad-with-strawberries-and-candied-pecans-easy-healthy-recipe/