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Nothing screams spring like this fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad with homemade strawberry vinaigrette, candied pecans, mandarin oranges and creamy, salty flavor packed blue cheese. Plus it's on the table in 10 minutes!
![bowl of spinach salad with strawberries, oranges, blue cheese and dressing](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-spinach-salad-3.jpg)
This recipe was originally posted in July 2017. It has been updated for content and photos for a better user experience.
Yes, 10 minutes. It's super simple and super delicious.
Fresh juicy strawberries and mandarin orange segments blend perfectly with the tart strawberry salad dressing, sweet crunchy candied pecans, and the earthiness of the blue cheese. This is a damn good strawberry spinach salad.
And you all know how I feel about salads. They're not really my thing. But if you like fresh fruit, crunchy veggies and an amazing tang from the dressing and blue cheese, you're going to fall in love here.
PLUS...serve this together with this incredible sous vide salmon, and you've got a great meal!
If you like really good, and I mean seriously good, salads, try this Spicy Blackened Shrimp Salad or this Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh fruit and vegetables paired with the earthy flavors of pecans and blue cheese are the perfect flavor complements.
- It's simple to put together in under 10 minutes.
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Step By Step Instructions
To make the salad, place all the ingredients in a bowl and toss. Add as much or as little dressing as you like. It's really that easy.
This is one of the best weeknight meals when you want to be healthy, don't have much time, and want your food to taste amazing.
![side view of strawberry spinach salads in a bowls with dressing in the background](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-spinach-salad-2.jpg)
How to Make Strawberry Vinaigrette
Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
![strawberries in a mini food processor](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-vinaigrette.jpg)
Store in a seal-able jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
![strawberry vinaigrette in a spoon](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-vinaigrette-1.jpg)
More Salad Options and Ideas:
- Candied pecans can be made from scratch (try this Candied Pecan Recipe) or purchased at your local grocery store. You can also buy them on Amazon HERE.
- Replace the blue cheese with goat cheese, Gorgonzola, or any other tangy cheese.
- The strawberry vinaigrette can be replaced with any type of vinaigrette. Try this Orange Vinaigrette from Good Dinner Mom.
- Use candied walnuts, almonds, or any other kind of crunchy sweet or salty treats for the added texture in your salad.
- Slice these Instant Pot beets or sous vide beets and add them.
- Trade the mandarin oranges for grapefruit, pears, grapes or any other fruit you like. Or just add more fruit.
![2 bowls of sald with strawberries and oranges with plate of strawberries on the side](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-spinach-salad-1.jpg)
More Salad Recipes from Went Here 8 This
Couscous Salad with Preserved Lemon and Chickpeas
Grilled Thai Beef Salad
Grilled Peach Tortellini Salad
![bowl of couscous salad with chickpeas](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/moroccan-couscous-salad-1-150x150.jpg)
![](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DSC07809-768x581-150x150.jpg)
![grilled peach tortellini salad with grilled peaches on side](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/grilled-peach-tortellini-salad-6-150x150.jpg)
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Recipe
![2 bowls of sald with strawberries and oranges with plate of strawberries on the side](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-spinach-salad-1-320x320.jpg)
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 24 oz. bag of spinach
- 2 cups strawberries
- ¼ to ⅛ cup blue cheese crumbled (depending on preference)
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 10 oz. mandarin oranges (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup candied pecans
Strawberry Vinaigrette:
- 1 cup Strawberries
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. honey
- ⅛ tsp. black pepper
- ⅛ tsp. salt
Instructions
- Place the spinach in a large bowl. Add the remaining fruits and vegetables and toss.
- Sprinkle with blue cheese and candied pecans and drizzle with the strawberry vinaigrette.
Strawberry Vinaigrette:
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth. Store in a seal-able jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Expert Tips:
- Candied pecans can be made from scratch (try this Candied Pecan Recipe) or purchased at your local grocery store. You can also buy them on Amazon HERE.
- Replace the blue cheese with goat cheese, Gorgonzola, or any other tangy cheese.
- The strawberry vinaigrette can be replaced with any type of vinaigrette.
- Use candied walnuts, almonds, or any other kind of crunchy sweet or salty treats for the added texture in your salad.
- Trade the mandarin oranges for grapefruit, pears, grapes or any other fruit you like. Or just add more fruit.
Nutrition
![Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette](https://www.wenthere8this.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strawberry-spinach-salad-PINTEREST1.jpg)
Jacqueline Debono says
What a beautiful salad! So creative. I have lots of strawberries in my garden to make this with! Can't wait!
Danielle says
I'm so jealous you have strawberries in your garden!
Veena Azmanov says
My favorite seasonal fruit and I love the flavor to my salad. Thanks for this yummy recipe.
Danielle says
You're welcome Veena!
Toni says
I love everything about this salad! So flavorful and easy to make!
Danielle says
Thanks Toni 🙂
Meghna says
A perfect colorful and healthy recipe for the summers. Thanks a lot for sharing it with us 🙂
Danielle says
You're welcome Meghna!
Demeter says
Such an amazing salad bursting with flavor. Totally worth it to make your own vinaigrette. Really makes the dish.
Danielle says
I definitely agree! Thanks Demeter 🙂
Rosa says
This sounds so fresh and tasty, perfect for summer!
Danielle says
Thanks Rosa!
Kathy says
This sounds like an awesome summer salad! Can't wait to try it.