Name: Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 6 oz baby spinach or spinach mix ((170 g)); 4 oz grilled chicken, sliced; 3 oz strawberries, sliced; 1 ounce pecans ((raw or toasted)); 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese; 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup light olive oil ((or avocado oil)); 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp water; 2 tsp minced red onion; 1/2 tsp sweetener; 1/8 tsp dried thyme; 1 pinch each salt and pepper

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Enjoy this spinach strawberry pecan salad with homemade balsamic dressing and a salty or tangy cheese brings salad to the next level. Each bite delivers earthy, sweet, tangy, salty and crunchy flavors.

The arrival of warmer weather brings with it the promise of strawberry season. Who can resist the sweet-floral-almost spicy-tang of deep red strawberries fresh from the field? I know I can’t!

California is a big strawberry growing state, producing a whopping 83% of strawberries grown in the U.S. Our local roadside produce stands keep me in low carb red berry heaven from March to July.

I have used strawberries in several desserts on the site like strawberry shortcake, muffins, tarts, strawberry cream pie and crumble bars. But one of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in salads like this spinach strawberry pecan salad.

Strawberries, as well as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are the best low-sugar fruit options for low carb keto diets. Pairing a few sweet berries with crunchy nuts, and then adding a great salty cheese takes a regular salad to the next level.

Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad

On Sundays, I start our weekly meal prep by washing lettuce and preparing our salad protein for the week. I often cook and slice a few pounds of herbed grilled chicken and make a delicious low carb salad dressing.

Our favorite flavor profile this month is spinach strawberry pecan salad with homemade balsamic dressing. Strawberries and balsamic vinegar is classic pairing and the sweet crunch of pecans and earthy flavor of spinach all combine to create something wonderful.

Some recipes for this salad combination call for candied pecans. I love ‘em, but I think toasted pecans or even raw pecans are just as good. I toast them in the oven on a sheet pan at 350 degrees F until lightly browned and fragrant (or toaster oven) and use them throughout the week.

As far as cheese options for this delicious spinach strawberry pecan salad, salty and/or tangy varieties do well. We like feta cheese, goat cheese, or an aged cheese like Parmesan or Asiago.

Another dressing that would be great with this salad is this low carb raspberry vinaigrette recipe.

If you like steak salad recipes, try this steak and plum salad with balsamic reduction. It’s another great flavor combination of beefy, peppery, sweet-tart and salty!

This Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad is 7.5 net carbs per serving.

Spinach strawberry pecan salad with feta cheese and homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

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5 from 6 votes

Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings

Calories 524kcal

Ingredients

Salad

6 oz baby spinach or spinach mix (170 g)
4 oz grilled chicken, sliced
3 oz strawberries, sliced
1 ounce pecans (raw or toasted)
1 ounce crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced

Vinaigrette Dressing (makes 1/2 cup)

1/4 cup light olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp water
2 tsp minced red onion
1/2 tsp sweetener
1/8 tsp dried thyme
1 pinch each salt and pepper

Instructions

Mix the dressing and set aside. (I like to make the day before so the flavors develop.)
Slice the chicken, strawberries and onions.
Layer the ingredients in two bowls and pour the dressing over. 7.5 net carbs per salad.