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Strawberry Feta Salad with Candied Pecans – Sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, spicy-sweet candied pecans, and garden-fresh basil come together to create one beautiful, flavor-packed salad. It’s all tossed with my creamy feta dressing, which adds the perfect salty richness, while those pecans give the salad an irresistible crunch. A new staple for the season!
It’s finally strawberry season, and while I just baked up a sweet strawberry dessert, I might be even more excited to share this salad. I’ve been making it on repeat over the last few weeks—it’s become my go-to spring “everyday” salad.
Do you have an everyday salad? Mine is usually my Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad, which I make a few nights a week. But lately, this strawberry version has taken over. With berries at their peak and the arugula looking so vibrant, I can’t help but crave it daily.
It’s truly the perfect “house salad” for spring and summer.
I’ve always loved when fresh fruit is added to salads! I make versions of this every summer. In fact, one of my all-time favorite older recipes is a variation of this salad.
This version is simpler, fresher, and topped with an even yummier dressing. It’s just in time for late spring lunches, summertime dinners, outdoor grilling, and easy meals with friends.
Here are the details
Ingredients – for the salad
- pecans
- salted butter
- maple syrup or honey
- cayenne pepper
- flaky sea salt
- mixed spring greens/arugula
- fresh strawberries
- avocados
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- honey
- salt and fresh cracked black pepper
Ingredients – for the dressing
- buttermilk
- lemon juice
- garlic
- basil – or you can use parsley
- fresh chives
- crumbled feta cheese
- fresh cracked black pepper
The Tools
Just a small sheet pan, a bowl to mix the dressing, and a big salad bowl! Plus the usuals: a cutting board, a knife, and some utensils!
The Steps
Step 1: make the candied pecans
On a baking sheet, toss the raw pecans with salted butter, spicy cayenne pepper, and either honey or maple syrup.
Bake until the pecans are caramelized. Watch closely! Because of the sugar, the pecans can burn quickly.
Step 2: prepare the salad
Find your favorite salad bowl and add the greens. I like to use a spring mix and peppery arugula, but I think any mix of greens would be great!
Add the fresh sliced strawberries and some avocado wedges or slices. I like to then toss the greens with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the dressing
This is so good! I use whole buttermilk for the best flavor and creaminess.
To balance the tang and add some brightness, I mix in a squeeze of lemon juice. Then, I stir in freshly chopped basil, chives, garlic, and season it all with salt and pepper.
Then so much freshly crumbled, salty, creamy feta cheese. It’s the most delicious! Like a blue cheese dressing, but with feta! So yummy and different. No one expects it, but it’s the secret, I promise!
Step 4: toss the salad
At this point, you can pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well to ensure the greens are coated in the yummy dressing.
Then, finish the salad with the candied pecans. I always add extra feta cheese too!
Step 5: serve
Serve the salad after you toss it. Once the dressing is added, eat it up right away to ensure the greens stay crunchy!
This makes a great side salad for any dinner, from spring through summer. You can also enjoy it as a meal by adding some protein like chicken or steak. YUM! It never disappoints and it doubles as the prettiest centerpiece for any summer table!
Looking for other salad recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad
Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad with Tomatoes and Burrata
Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad
Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad
Lastly, if you make this Strawberry Feta Salad with Candied Pecans, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Strawberry Feta Salad with Candied Pecans
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 355 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. On the baking sheet, toss together the pecans, maple syrup/honey, butter, and cayenne. Arrange in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes or until the pecans are toasted. Sprinkle with sea salt.3. Meanwhile, in a salad bowl, combine the greens, strawberries, and avocado. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and lightly toss the greens. 4. To make the dressing. Mix all ingredients together in a jar and season with salt and pepper.5. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to combine. Top the salad with pecans. Eat and enjoy!
