Summer Salad Series

By Rachel Davidson-Evans, BASc

Reviewed by: Atheana Brown RD

This spinach salad featuring sweet strawberries, pecans, and feta is simple to make and oh so refreshing! Topped with a sweet balsamic dressing, this salad makes for a perfect pair.

Happy June friends! It is fresh salad season, so what better time than to start a salad recipe series? When I think of summer, local juicy strawberries are the first thing that comes to mind so in this recipe, strawberries are the star of the show! Not a fan of pecans? No problem, use walnuts or sliced almonds instead! This sweet spinach salad is just the first on our delicious summer salad series, so let’s get started!

Sweet Spinach Salad

This spinach salad featuring sweet strawberries, pecans, and feta is simple to make and oh so refreshing! Topped with a sweet balsamic dressing, this salad makes for a perfect pair.

*This salad is naturally gluten free and vegetarian.

Ingredients (makes 4 servings):

Salad:

8 oz fresh spinach

2 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup fresh pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds

1/2 cup feta, crumbled

Balsamic Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp strawberry jam

Salt to taste

Directions:

1. (Pecans): In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and browned. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
2. (Vinaigrette): In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Stir in dijon, jam and salt to taste. Set aside.
3. (Salad): In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, cooled pecans, and feta. Portion and drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

And there you have it! A salad as beautiful and colourful as it is to eat. If you try out this recipe, please let me know your thoughts in the comment below! Stay tuned for our next instalment of summer salad recipes. Until then, happy eating!