Fresh Berry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese
A refreshing summer salad combining sweet mixed berries, crisp baby spinach, creamy goat cheese, and homemade candied pecans, tossed in a lightly sweetened balsamic vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 180g)
- 1 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries sliced, blueberries, raspberries) (about 225g)
- 1 cup candied pecans (homemade preferred) (about 120g)
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 115g)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinaigrette (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the candied pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the sugar melts and starts bubbling.
- Add 1 cup pecan halves and toss to coat evenly. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until pecans are toasted and glossy. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly using a salad spinner or towels. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Rinse and gently pat dry the berries. Slice strawberries if large. Add all berries to the spinach bowl.
- Thinly slice about ¼ cup red onion and add to the salad.
- Crumble goat cheese over the salad.
- Add cooled candied pecans to the salad bowl.
- Drizzle about ⅓ cup balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat without bruising the berries.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Cook pecans on low heat to prevent burning sugar. Use fresh berries for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain well. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising berries. Prepare candied pecans ahead and store in airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: fresh berry salad, spinach salad, candied pecans, goat cheese salad, summer salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe