Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Pecans

A Salad That Tastes Like Sunshine

I first tried this salad at a summer picnic. The sweet berries and salty feta amazed me. It felt like eating a bowl of sunshine. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple salad into something unforgettable? That first bite made me a believer. I knew I had to make it myself.

My First Salad Adventure

My first try was a bit messy. I added the avocado too early. It got a little mushy in the bowl. But that small mistake taught me a big lesson. Cooking is about trying, not being perfect. The salad still tasted wonderful shared with friends.

Why This Combo Works

The textures and flavors here are magic. Sweet fruit, creamy avocado, and crunchy nuts play together. Salty feta cheese ties it all together perfectly. Which flavor combo surprises you the most? Tell me your favorite part in the comments.

A Brief History

This salad became popular in the 1980s. It is a modern American classic. People loved mixing fruit into green salads. *Did you know spinach and strawberries both grow in spring?* That makes them perfect partners. This dish celebrates fresh, seasonal eating.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh baby spinach	5 ounces	Rinsed and patted dry
Candied pecans	1 cup
Strawberries	1 quart	Rinsed, dried, and halved or quartered, stems removed
Fresh blueberries	1 cup	Rinsed
Avocados	2	Diced
Feta cheese	½ cup	Crumbled
Vinaigrette	½ cup	More or less to taste

My Go-To Summer Salad

This salad is a summer favorite. It is fresh, fast, and full of flavor. You can make it for lunch or a light dinner. Everyone will love the sweet and salty mix.

Step 1 Grab a big bowl for your spinach. Add the strawberries and blueberries next. Toss in those sweet candied pecans. (A hard-learned tip: Add the avocado last to keep it from browning.)

Step 2 Now gently add the avocado and feta. Pour your dressing over everything. Toss it all together very gently. Serve your beautiful salad right away.

What is the best way to keep avocado green in a salad? Share below!

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Salad, Lunch

Try These Tasty Twists

This salad is great as written. But you can also change it up. Try one of these fun ideas for a new taste.

Savory Swap Use goat cheese instead of feta. Add some grilled chicken for protein. It makes a full meal.

Nutty Change Try walnuts instead of pecans. Use a balsamic vinaigrette for dressing. It is a richer flavor.

Summer Citrus Add some orange segments to the mix. Use a citrus-based dressing too. It is so refreshing.

Which twist sounds best to you? Vote in the comments!

Serving It Up Right

This salad stands well on its own. But it also loves good company. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread. Or add a simple grilled protein like fish.

For drinks, try a crisp white wine. A nice sauvignon blanc works well. For a non-alcoholic choice, lemonade is perfect. The tartness balances the sweet berries.

Which would you choose tonight, the wine or the lemonade?

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

Eat this salad right away. It is best when super fresh. The spinach wilts fast with dressing on it. My grandson learned that the hard way once. He dressed the whole bowl before the picnic. Keep parts separate if you need to store it. Toss it all together just before you eat. This keeps everything crisp and delicious for you.

Simple Fixes for Common Problems

Is your salad getting soggy? Always dry your greens completely. Dressing slides right off dry leaves. Not sweet enough for you? Add a tiny bit of honey to your vinaigrette. Finding the pecans too hard? Swap them for toasted sunflower seeds. They give a nice crunch without the candy coating. What is your biggest salad struggle? Tell me in the comments below.

Your Salad Questions Answered

Q: Is this salad gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your dressing label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Prep the parts separately. Combine everything right before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of feta? A: Goat cheese or creamy avocado are great swaps for a different taste.

Q: How do I double this for a crowd? A: Simply double all the ingredients. Use a very large bowl for mixing.

Q: Any good protein additions? A: Grilled chicken or chickpeas would be perfect on top. They make it a full meal.

A Final Tip From My Kitchen

This salad tastes like summer in a bowl. It is so bright and happy. I hope it brings joy to your table. Did you try a fun swap? Share your photos with Savory Discovery on Pinterest. I love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.