Summer Delight Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey Poppy Seed Dressing
Embrace the flavors of summer with this vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad, enriched with crunchy candied pecans and a delectable honey poppy seed dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch, this salad combines fresh strawberries and tender spinach with a sweet and tangy dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. This delightful dish not only looks beautiful on the table but is also bursting with nutrients, making it a great choice for any health-conscious eater. Share it with family and friends for a refreshing taste of summer all year long!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Pecan Halves
1 1/2 cups (Raw)
Sugar (for pecans)
1 cup (Granulated)
Fresh Spinach
1 lb (Washed and torn into pieces)
Celery
2 cups (Thinly sliced)
Fresh Strawberries
1 pint (Hulled and halved)
White Vinegar
2/3 cup (Liquid)
Sugar (for dressing)
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Green Onions
3-4 (Chopped)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
Dry Mustard
2 teaspoons (Powdered)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (For dressing)
Poppy Seeds
3 tablespoons (For dressing)
Honey
1 tablespoon (For dressing)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pecan halves and sugar, stirring to combine well.
2
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar melts and turns a beautiful caramel color, ensuring the pecans are well coated.
3
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pecans from the skillet and place them in a single layer on a sheet of lightly greased aluminum foil. Allow them to cool completely before breaking into small clusters if necessary.
4
Prepare the spinach by removing and discarding any stems. Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, thinly sliced celery, and halved strawberries. Toss gently to mix.
6
Drizzle 1 cup of the honey poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
7
Sprinkle the cooled, candied pecans over the top and give the salad another gentle toss to incorporate.
8
Serve immediately with additional dressing on the side for anyone who wants a little extra.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
23g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary green used in the Summer Delight Salad?
The primary green used in this salad is 1 lb of fresh spinach, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
How do you make the candied pecans for this recipe?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves and 1 cup of sugar, and cook until the sugar melts into a caramel color and coats the pecans.
What should I do after the pecans are coated in caramel?
Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in a single layer on lightly greased aluminum foil to cool completely.
What are the main fruits and vegetables in the salad mix?
The salad consists of fresh spinach, 2 cups of thinly sliced celery, and 1 pint of hulled and halved fresh strawberries.
What ingredients are used for the Honey Poppy Seed Dressing?
The dressing includes white vinegar, sugar, chopped green onions, salt, dry mustard, vegetable oil, poppy seeds, and honey.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
Is this salad high in fat?
The salad contains 19g of fat per serving, primarily from the pecans, vegetable oil, and butter.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 3g of protein per serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the pecans?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine to melt for the pecans.
How much sugar is needed for the candied pecans?
You will need 1 cup of granulated sugar specifically for the pecans.
How much sugar is required for the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2/3 cup of white vinegar for the dressing.
How many green onions should I add?
You should use 3 to 4 chopped green onions for the dressing mixture.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 teaspoons of powdered dry mustard.
How much vegetable oil is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 2 cups of vegetable oil.
How many poppy seeds are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
Is honey a major ingredient in the dressing?
While it adds a distinct flavor, only 1 tablespoon of honey is used in the dressing.
How should I prepare the fresh strawberries?
Strawberries should be hulled (stems removed) and cut in half.
What is the recommended way to prepare the celery?
The celery should be thinly sliced to provide the best texture for the salad.
How much dressing should I add to the salad initially?
Drizzle 1 cup of the prepared honey poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently.
When should the candied pecans be added?
Sprinkle the pecans over the top after the salad has been tossed with the dressing, then give it one final gentle toss.
Can this salad be served at a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates in one serving of this salad.
Should the pecans be raw before candying them?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of raw pecan halves.
What is the best way to dry spinach after washing?
The recipe recommends rinsing the leaves under cold water and then patting them dry with paper towels.
Is there salt in the honey poppy seed dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
How do I prevent the pecans from becoming one big clump?
Spread them in a single layer on aluminum foil while cooling and break them into small clusters only after they have cooled completely.
Is the spinach used with or without stems?
The instructions state to remove and discard any stems from the spinach before tearing them into pieces.
How should I serve the leftover dressing?
Serve the salad immediately and provide additional dressing on the side for those who want extra.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used to make both the salad and the dressing.