Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 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 (prepared)

Nothing brightens up a meal quite like the refreshing burst of juicy strawberries paired with crisp baby spinach and the delightful crunch of candied nuts. This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that’ll have you coming back for seconds—trust me, it’s worth every bite.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves forms the base layer, topped with bright red sliced strawberries evenly spread across the salad. Scattered among the strawberries and spinach are small clumps of white cheese, adding a soft texture contrast. Dark brown pecan nuts are also sprinkled throughout, giving a crunchy element and a rich color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some whole strawberries and pecans around it, along with pieces of white cheese nearby, creating a fresh and natural setting. 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

I remember making this salad for a casual gathering, and it was the unexpected star of the table. The mix of textures and flavors is so simple yet sophisticated, which makes it a go-to whether you're prepping a quick lunch or impressing guests. You'll find it's a refreshing way to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Flavor Harmony: The sweet strawberries and tart lemon poppy seed dressing create an irresistible combo.
Textural Contrast: Crunchy candied nuts add an unexpected, delightful crunch to every bite.
Fresh and Easy: It’s a light, fast recipe with minimal prep that looks and tastes amazing.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect side or main salad that satisfies even picky eaters.

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad that has bright green spinach leaves as the base layer, topped with medium red strawberry slices evenly spread throughout. Scattered over the strawberries and spinach are small white dollops of crumbled cheese and dark brown pecan halves. A woman's hand is holding a small white pitcher, pouring a yellow dressing with black pepper flakes 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 salad shines because each ingredient brings its own magic. From the buttery, caramelized crunch of the nuts to the bright zing of fresh lemon in the dressing, these components create balance and depth. When shopping, look for ripe strawberries and fresh baby spinach for the best taste and texture.

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced ripe strawberries, crumbled feta cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, whole unshelled walnuts, a small white bowl of light olive oil, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of Dijon mustard, a small white bowl containing poppy seeds, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a fresh half lemon with visible zest, and a whole uncracked brown egg placed 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

Walnuts or Pecans: Choose fresh nuts for optimal crunch and flavor, perfect for caramelizing.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel sweetness when making candied nuts.
Unsalted Butter: Helps coat and caramelize the nuts without overpowering saltiness.
Light Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: A neutral oil that emulsifies the dressing beautifully without masking flavors.
Honey (optional): A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the dressing, but it can be skipped if you prefer tangy.
Poppy Seeds: Gives a subtle crunch and visual appeal in the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little sharp bite and helps emulsify the dressing.
Lemon Zest & Juice: The star ingredients for bright acidity that wakes up the whole salad.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without being too aggressive.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender, mild greens that hold up well and pair nicely with strawberries.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Feta Cheese: Adds creamy, salty contrast that balances sweetness and acidity.
Candied Nuts: Adds crunch and caramel flavor — the ultimate salad upgrade.

📝

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

One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to swap nuts, go dairy-free, or add something extra, it plays well with many tweaks—so feel free to make it truly yours.

Variation: I sometimes add sliced avocado for creaminess or swap feta for goat cheese for a tangier bite—both great twists that bring new depth.
Dietary Modifications: For a vegan take, leave out the feta and butter, using maple syrup to candy the nuts instead.
Seasonal Twist: You can swap strawberries for fresh peaches or blueberries in other seasons, making it delicious year-round.
Make It a Meal: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein to enjoy this as a full meal.

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

Step 1: Candied Nuts – Caramelized Crunch Magic

First up, get those nuts golden and sweet. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then toss in your walnuts or pecans along with brown sugar. Keep stirring—constant motion prevents burning and helps the sugar caramelize evenly. After about 3-4 minutes, you’ll notice a glossy sheen coating the nuts and a tempting aroma filling your kitchen. Spread them out on parchment paper to cool in a single layer so they harden perfectly and don’t stick together. This step is where your salad gets its unforgettable crunch.

Step 2: Whip Up The Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, and optional honey. That mustard works wonders to emulsify the dressing, giving it a lovely cling to the spinach and strawberries. Let it rest for 5-15 minutes; this lets the flavors meld beautifully, and you’ll taste the brightness just pop on your tongue when you dress the salad.

Step 3: Toss it All Together

In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, cooled candied nuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Give everything a gentle toss just before serving, then drizzle with your dressing. I like to keep the dressing separate until the last minute to keep the greens crisp and the nuts crunchy.

Top Tip

Making this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe has always felt like a little kitchen celebration for me. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way to help your salad turn out just as amazing every time.

Candy the Nuts Right: Keep the heat medium and stir constantly when caramelizing nuts to avoid burning sugar—it happens fast!
Freshness Counts: Use fresh, firm strawberries and spinach. Wilted greens will drag the whole salad down.
Dressing Balance: Taste your dressing before serving—it’s all about balancing tang and sweetness to your preference.
Serve Immediately: Dressing the salad just before eating keeps the spinach from getting soggy and maintains the nut crunch.

How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper and a few extra whole candied nuts on top for that wow factor. Sometimes I add a handful of edible flowers or thinly sliced red onions to elevate the salad visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon, making a light, summery meal. It also complements a pasta dish or roasted vegetables perfectly when you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad layered in clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase its vibrant colors—strawberries, greens, nuts, and cheese all visible. It really impresses guests and makes serving a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad without dressing in an airtight container and store in the fridge. Add dressing only when you’re ready to eat—it keeps the spinach fresh and prevents the nuts from getting soggy.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh strawberries and spinach get watery and limp, and the candied nuts lose their crunch. Best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If you add any cooked proteins, those can be warmed separately before serving alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts or pecans in this salad?

Absolutely! Almonds and cashews also work well and can be candied the same way to give the salad that irresistible crunch and sweetness. Just watch the cooking time as some nuts cook faster.

Is the honey necessary in the lemon poppy seed dressing?

The honey is optional and adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon. If you prefer a tangier dressing or need to keep it sugar-free, feel free to omit it—it’s delicious either way.

How do I prevent the candied nuts from sticking together?

Once the nuts are coated and caramelized in the pan, spread them out quickly on a lined baking sheet in a single layer to cool. Pressing them apart gently while they’re warm helps them set as individual pieces instead of clumps.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep most components in advance, like cleaning the spinach, slicing strawberries, and making candied nuts and dressing separately. However, toss everything together just before serving to keep the textures fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Nuts Recipe holds a special spot in my heart and kitchen because it effortlessly combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with indulgent textures. Every time I make it, friends ask for the recipe—and I never hesitate to share. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to salads, too.