Fresh Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe with Vinaigrette

Bursting with summer vibrancy, spinach strawberry salad delivers a tantalizing medley of flavors that dance on your palate.

Verdant spinach leaves create a lush canvas for ruby-red strawberries that pop with sweet intensity.

Crisp greens intermingle with juicy berries, crafting a sensory experience that feels both luxurious and light.

Creamy cheese crumbles and crunchy nuts elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Each forkful promises a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that awaken your senses.

Nutrient-dense and stunningly beautiful, this salad transforms an ordinary lunch into a gourmet moment.

You’ll fall in love with this vibrant, refreshing creation that celebrates summer’s most delectable ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 5

Get to Know the Ingredients in Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Baby Spinach: Select crisp, deep green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Strawberries: Choose bright red, firm berries with fresh green tops.
• Red Onion: Pick firm onions with smooth, tight skin and no soft spots.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Select high-quality, aged balsamic and cold-pressed olive oil for rich flavor.
• Honey: Opt for raw, local honey for deeper taste and natural sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: Choose smooth, tangy mustard without added preservatives.
• Poppy Seeds: Look for fresh, dark blue seeds with nutty aroma.

• Pecans, Feta Cheese: Select fresh, crunchy pecans with golden color and creamy, tangy feta cheese.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper and flaky kosher salt for enhanced seasoning.

Tools You’ll Use in Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting pecans evenly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping pecans and slicing onions.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise chopping and slicing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining salad ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Jar or Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing and whisking dressing ingredients.
• Whisk or Fork: Helpful for blending dressing until smooth.
• Colander or Strainer: Useful for draining soaked onions.
• Salad Serving Bowl: Large bowl for tossing and presenting the final salad.

Putting It Together in the Kitchen Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Toast Nutty Goodness

Warm your oven to 350°F. Spread pecan pieces across a baking tray, creating a single layer. Roast until they release a rich, toasty aroma and turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Roughly chop and let cool completely.

• Soften Onion Bite

Slice red onions thinly and soak in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This gentle bath takes away the sharp edge, leaving a milder flavor. Drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake vigorously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy blend that promises tangy excitement.

• Create Salad Magic

Toss baby spinach with quartered strawberries and drained onion slices. Drizzle half the dressing and gently mix, ensuring each leaf gets a delicious coating.

• Finish With Flair

Scatter crumbled feta and cooled pecans over the salad. Give a light toss to distribute the toppings, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Serve with remaining dressing on the side, ready to enjoy at room temperature.

Ideas to Make It Your Own Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Roast Pecans with Care: Toast pecans just until they release a nutty aroma to enhance their natural flavor without burning. Experiment with different nut varieties like walnuts or almonds for unique texture and taste.
• Soften Onion Technique: Soak raw onions in cold water to mellow their sharp bite, making them more palatable in salads. Try soaking in ice water for extra crispness and gentler flavor profile.
• Customize Dressing Flavors: Swap balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter, fruitier note. Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to elevate the dressing's complexity and depth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store components in sealed containers in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

Great Pairings & Plating Tips Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Elevate Dining Experience: Serve this strawberry spinach salad on a beautiful white ceramic platter to showcase the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
• Pair with Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or sliced hard-boiled eggs to transform this salad into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Arrange salad components carefully, allowing feta cheese and pecans to sit beautifully on top of glistening spinach leaves for an Instagram-worthy dish.
• Complement with Sides: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or light quinoa for a delightful lunch or refreshing dinner starter that will impress family and guests.

Planning and Storing Made Easy Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting.
• Extend Dressing Life: Keep poppy seed dressing in a sealed jar inside the refrigerator for up to one week, giving it a quick shake before each use to restore blended consistency.
• Maximize Pecan Crunch: Transfer roasted pecans to a cool, dry container with a tight lid and store at room temperature for two weeks, ensuring they retain their delightful crispness.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Prepare ingredients like roasted pecans, softened onions, and dressing in advance, allowing quick assembly of the salad within 5-10 minutes when ready to serve.

Vibrant Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ree Drummond’s spinach strawberry salad brings fresh spring flavors to your table. Sweet strawberries and crisp spinach combine with candied pecans for a delightful taste experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 oz (280 g) baby spinach, fresh
• 1 quart (946 ml) strawberries, hulled and quartered
• ¾ cup (90 g) pecans, raw
• ¾ cup (113 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) honey
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) poppy seeds
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Roast Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet, roasting for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Cool and roughly chop.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Onion Preparation: Soak sliced red onions in cold water to mellow their sharp edge, then drain thoroughly.
4. Compose Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, quartered strawberries, and drained onions. Gently toss with half the prepared poppy seed dressing, ensuring even coating.
5. Final Assembly: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pecans over the salad. Delicately fold ingredients to distribute evenly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Serve Immediately: Present the salad fresh, offering remaining dressing on the side for personalized enjoyment. Celebrate this vibrant, sophisticated culinary creation.

Notes

• Roast Pecans Perfectly: Toast pecans at precisely 350°F for 8-10 minutes to unlock deep, nutty flavors without burning, ensuring a crunchy texture that elevates the entire salad.
• Soften Onion Bite: Soaking sliced red onions in cold water neutralizes sharp edges, creating a milder, more refined onion flavor that won’t overpower delicate spinach and strawberries.
• Dress Strategically: Drizzle dressing sparingly and toss gently to prevent soggy spinach, keeping leaves crisp and ensuring each bite has balanced flavor without drowning the salad.
• Serve Immediately: Assemble just before serving to maintain crisp spinach leaves, vibrant strawberries, and optimal texture of toasted pecans, preserving the salad’s fresh and dynamic character.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 185 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg