If you think salads are boring, you haven’t tried this Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans. It balances juicy sweetness, savory crunch, and rich protein in every bite. As a passionate culinary artist and creator at FoodyDish.com I’m always pushing boundaries with flavor and presentation. This dish was born from a desire to elevate weeknight meals with minimal effort and maximum impact.
In this post, I’ll share why this salad works perfectly with meat, tips on choosing the right cuts, simple prep steps, and plenty of pro advice. Let’s dive in!
Why This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans Meat Recipe Works
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of meat
- Marinate in 15 minutes for maximum tenderness
- Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts
Choosing the Right Meat for Spinach Strawberry Salad
Best Cuts for This Recipe
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and full of flavor
- Flank Steak: Bold beefy flavor, sliced thin
- Turkey Tenderloin: Lean and ideal for quick grilling
Buying Tips
- Choose bright red beef with visible marbling
- For poultry, go with organic or pasture-raised options
Substitutions
- Swap beef with grilled tofu for a meatless alternative
- Replace chicken with turkey or even grilled halloumi
Ingredients & Prep for Spinach Strawberry Salad
Meat Prep Essentials
- Trim excess fat and pat dry before cooking
- For tougher cuts, dry-brine with salt for 30 minutes
Marinades/Rubs
- Citrus-Herb Marinade:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Fresh rosemary
- Black pepper
- Salt
- (Marinate for 15–30 minutes)
Pantry Staples
- Balsamic vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Crushed pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Spinach Strawberry Salad
Pre-Cooking Prep for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Bring meat to room temperature
- Pat dry and season well
Cooking Method for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Grill chicken: Medium-high heat, 6 minutes per side
- Roast turkey: 375°F for 25 minutes
- Pan-sear steak: 3–4 minutes each side, then rest
Doneness Check for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Chicken: 165°F
- Turkey: 165°F
- Steak (medium): 140°F
Resting for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Rest all meats 5–8 minutes before slicing
Pro Tips for Perfect Meat in Spinach Strawberry Salad
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat in Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Never overcrowd the pan
- Baste with juices or broth near the end
Tool Recommendations for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Cast-iron skillet for great sear
- Digital meat thermometer for accuracy
- Sharp knife for even slicing
Storage & Reheating for Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Refrigerate meat up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in skillet with a splash of water or broth
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
- Great with roasted root veggies or wild rice
- Enjoy with citrus water or mint lemonade
FAQs About Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans
Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry first.
How do I fix overcooked meat?
Slice thinly and drizzle with warm dressing or broth.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Absolutely, just ensure meat reaches safe internal temps.
Conclusion
Fire up your grill and try this tonight! This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans has become a FoodyDish favorite for a reason. Join 5k+ home cooks who loved it.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans: A Sweet & Savory Upgrade
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans, paired with juicy grilled meats and drizzled in a citrus-herb dressing.
Ingredients
4 cups baby spinach
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/4 cup thin-sliced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)
1 grilled chicken thigh or turkey tenderloin (sliced)
Citrus-Herb Marinade:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp chopped rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Trim and pat dry your meat of choice. Dry-brine with salt for 30 minutes if using tougher cuts.
2. Marinate meat with citrus-herb blend for 15–30 minutes.
3. Grill chicken (6 min/side) or roast turkey at 375°F for 25 min.
4. Let cooked meat rest for 5–8 minutes, then slice.
5. In a large bowl, mix spinach, strawberries, onion, and pecans.
6. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
7. Add meat to salad and drizzle with dressing.
8. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute protein with grilled tofu or halloumi for vegetarian version.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan option.
Make it spicy with cayenne in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Spinach Strawberry Salad, strawberry salad, healthy salad, meat salad