Spinach strawberry salad with candied pecans, red onion, and poppy seed dressing for brunch.
A bright, nourishing brunch salad that harmonizes sweet strawberries with peppery greens, crunchy candied pecans, and a tangy poppy seed dressing, creating a inviting centerpiece perfect for sharing.
In a bright kitchen, you gather fresh spinach leaves, ruby strawberries, and a handful of red onions for this brunch salad. The recipe balances flavors and textures, inviting guests to take a generous serving. Start by rinsing spinach and patting it dry to maintain crispness. Slice berries into halves or quarters, depending on size, and thinly slice red onions to package a mild bite. Candied pecans add a warm, caramelized crunch, while a light poppy seed dressing ties everything together with a zesty, creamy chorus. The result is visually appealing and pleasantly satisfying.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a touch of honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. The lemon brightens greens, while honey balances tartness from the berries. A culture-friendly splash of apple cider vinegar can be added for extra lift if desired. The poppy seeds float gently, providing delicate pops across the surface with each bite. This dressing keeps well in a jar, letting you prepare ahead and shake before serving. The combination of ingredients creates a versatile flavor profile suitable for brunch gatherings and everyday light meals alike.
A nourishing centerpiece that’s easy to assemble and scale for crowds.
Begin assembling your salad by layering spinach as the base, allowing the greens to lie flat on a wide platter. Even distribution helps every bite feel cohesive rather than chaotic. Next, scatter the sliced strawberries and red onion rings across the greens, designing a rainbow pattern that is both attractive and practical for sharing. The candied pecans can be sprinkled lightly across the top, ensuring pockets of sweetness without overpowering the fruit. Finally, drizzle a small amount of the prepared dressing, reserving most for guests to add as they desire. The arrangement invites appetite and conversation.
As guests arrive, offer extra pecans for topping and a little extra dressing on the side. A casual brunch setting benefits from color and texture contrasts, which this salad supplies in abundance. Add a handful of sunflower seeds or shaved Parmesan if you wish to vary toppings. If you prefer a dairy-free option, omit cheese entirely or substitute nutritional yeast for a subtle savory note. The goal is to keep flavors bright and the salad feeling fresh rather than heavy. With thoughtful plating, you can elevate a simple mix into a memorable centerpiece.
Texture, color, and balance meet in a bright, crowd-pleasing brunch dish.
When preparing ahead, wash and dry the greens completely, then refrigerate until assembly time. Keeping components separate prevents wilting and preserves crunch. Store sliced strawberries in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, which helps maintain bright color and flavor. Red onions should be kept in an airtight bag to minimize odor transfer to other ingredients. Candied pecans can be made days in advance and kept in a sealed jar. On brunch day, combine greens, fruit, and onion, then scatter pecans just before serving to retain their texture.
If you want to tailor the sweetness level of the dressing, start with the smaller amount of honey and adjust gradually. A teaspoon more can lift the dish without overpowering the natural fruit notes. For a tangier finish, add a splash more lemon juice or a thin veil of white balsamic. In hot weather, a lighter oil, such as a neutral avocado oil, keeps the dressing from feeling heavy. This approach offers flexibility, letting you customize the salad to seasonal fruit and guest preferences without complicating the recipe.
Accessible, flexible brunch staple that scales with your guest list.
The first bite should reveal a crisp, clean baseline from the spinach, followed by juicy berry sweetness and a sharp, aromatic onion note. The candied pecans provide mellow sweetness and a satisfying crunch that lingers pleasantly. A well-emulsified dressing ensures the salad feels lush without greasiness. Properly dressed greens should appear lightly coated, not drenched. When plating, consider placing a few extra strawberry halves around the edge of the bowl to create a visual frame that highlights the fruit’s color. This technique engages the eyes before the palate experiences the flavors.
Choose a plate size that suits your gathering; a shallow platter allows the ingredients to be seen at a glance, inviting seconds. If you’re serving with other brunch options, this salad makes an excellent lighter course between richer dishes. The contrast between soft greens and crisp nuts is a welcome palate cleanser, perfect after a savory quiche or creamy potato dish. Keep dressing to a minimum on the initial plate to ensure the greens remain vibrant and appetizing, then offer more to guests who want extra brightness.
Simple, elegant brunch option with enduring appeal.
To accommodate dietary needs, consider swapping honey for maple syrup or agave, expanding options for vegans or those avoiding refined sugar. The dressing can be prepared with a dairy-free yogurt whisked in for creaminess, if desired. If you enjoy warm flavors, lightly toast the pecans in a skillet before adding them to the salad to deepen their aroma. A touch of cinnamon with pecans also works beautifully for autumn-inspired brunches. These small twists keep the dish exciting across seasons and occasions.
For a minimalist approach, reduce components to greens, berries, and dressing, letting each ingredient shine. This streamlined version emphasizes the freshness and natural sweetness without extra toppings. It remains highly adaptable as a side salad or a light main course alongside a protein of choice. The core idea is to keep the balance between tart, sweet, and nutty flavors intact. Even with fewer elements, the salad still presents a colorful, appetizing appearance.
When hosting frequently, consider batching the components for a quick assembly lineup. Prepare greens washed and dried, berries prepped, onions sliced, and pecans candied in advance. On brunch day, simply assemble, drizzle, and serve. This approach minimizes prep time while maximizing freshness at the table. Your guests will appreciate the vivid colors, the crisp textures, and the harmonious dressing. A well-tended plate becomes the centerpiece of conversation, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the moment together.
The final flourish is attention to presentation; a drizzle of dressing across the plate can unify disparate elements. Serve with light beverages such as sparkling water, citrus-infused seltzer, or a delicate tea. Encouraging guests to customize their servings makes the experience interactive and engaging. As brunch concludes, offer a palate-cleanser such as citrus wedges or a small mint sprig to refresh the senses. The spinach strawberry salad with candied pecans stands as a reliable, evergreen choice that elevates everyday meals into memorable gatherings.
