Strawberry Spinach Salad

# Components:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups baby spinach, washed and dried

02 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

03 - 1/2 cup candied pecans

04 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

05 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Candied Pecans

06 - 1/2 cup pecan halves

07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

08 - 1 tablespoon butter

→ Poppy Seed Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

10 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

11 - 1 tablespoon honey

12 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

13 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

15 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add pecan halves and granulated sugar, stirring constantly until pecans are evenly coated and sugar is melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the pecans onto parchment paper to cool completely, then break apart any clusters.

02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is emulsified. Set aside.

03 - In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta if using. Add the cooled candied pecans. Drizzle with the prepared poppy seed dressing just before serving, tossing gently to coat evenly.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -

It comes together in twenty minutes, which means you can make it while guests are still arriving.
The contrast between cool, peppery spinach and warm, sweet pecans creates a flavor moment that feels far more complicated than it actually is.
It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free without feeling like a compromise version of anything.

02 -

Never dress a green salad more than a few minutes before eating it, or the leaves will wilt and the whole thing becomes sad and watery.
If you make the candied pecans ahead, store them in an airtight container so they stay crisp. They're actually better the next day.
Spinach has a tendency to trap water in its leaves; a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel makes all the difference between a tender salad and a limp one.

03 -