Strawberry Pecan Salad

May 18, 2026

I make this Strawberry Pecan Salad when I want something that feels fresh but still satisfying. The mix of juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and toasted pecans gives it the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a salad that never disappoints.

Jump to Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with salad made of spinach, sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, pecans, and crumbled cheese.

Why This Recipe Works

I love making this Strawberry Pecan Salad when I want something fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. Here’s what makes it special:

Sweet and Savory Balance: The strawberries bring natural sweetness, while the feta adds a salty, creamy touch. It’s that same perfect mix of flavors I love in my Thanksgiving Salad.
Crunchy Texture: Toasted pecans give the salad a warm, nutty crunch that makes every bite satisfying. They’re the secret to keeping this salad interesting from start to finish.
Fresh Homemade Dressing: The maple honey lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with a light, tangy sweetness. It’s quick to make and so much better than store-bought dressing.
Versatile and Easy: This salad works for any occasion—lunch, dinner, or even a potluck. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or something bold like the Thai Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing.
Beautiful Presentation: The mix of bright strawberries, crisp greens, and crumbled feta makes this salad look as good as it tastes. It’s one of those dishes that always impresses with minimal effort.

A wooden bowl of salad with strawberries and cheese, a jar of dressing, a bowl of strawberries, and a bottle of balsamic vinegar on a countertop.

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A bowl of fresh spinach sits beside containers of feta cheese, pecans, Dijon mustard, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, strawberries, cucumber, and a red onion.

Ingredients

Fresh Spinach – A tender, mild green that forms the base of the salad. It adds volume and a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp toppings. Baby spinach works best, but regular spinach can be chopped if needed.
Arugula – Adds a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and dressing. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with mixed greens or romaine.
Strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and bright color. Slice them just before serving so they stay juicy and vibrant.
Pecans – Toasted pecans add crunch and a warm, nutty flavor. You can swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even candied nuts for a sweeter touch.
Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta gives a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet fruit and crisp greens. Goat cheese or blue cheese can be used instead if you like a stronger flavor.
Cucumbers – Add a cool, refreshing crunch that lightens the salad. English or Persian cucumbers are ideal since they have thin skins and fewer seeds.
Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, savory bite that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
Balsamic Vinegar – Brings tang and depth to the vinaigrette. It complements the strawberries beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and a hint of acidity that keeps the dressing light and refreshing. Freshly squeezed juice makes the biggest difference.
Honey – Adds gentle sweetness and balances the tang from the vinegar and lemon. You can use agave or maple syrup as an alternative.
Maple Syrup – Gives the vinaigrette a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the toasted pecans.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

A hand pours dressing from a small jar onto a salad with spinach, strawberries, grapes, feta cheese, and nuts in a wooden bowl. A small bowl of strawberries is nearby.

Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Build the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add spinach, arugula, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and toasted pecans.
Toss: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Finish: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
Optional Touch: Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for a glossy, slightly sweet finish. Serve immediately and enjoy fresh.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

A wooden bowl filled with salad containing spinach, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, pecans, and crumbled cheese, with a jar of dressing and a small bowl of strawberries nearby.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

Protein Options: I like to add grilled chicken or shrimp when I want to make this salad more filling. You can also use salmon, steak, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Swaps: Feta adds a nice tang, but goat cheese or shaved parmesan work just as well. Use whatever you have on hand.
Fruit Add-Ins: Try mixing in blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for a fruity twist. They all pair nicely with the vinaigrette.

A wooden bowl filled with spinach salad topped with strawberries, cucumber slices, pecans, red onions, and crumbled cheese. A bottle of balsamic vinegar sits beside the bowl.

What to Serve with Strawberry Pecan Salad

Main Dishes

This Strawberry Pecan Salad pairs beautifully with grilled or creamy main courses. We love serving it with Flavorful Carne Asada for a fresh, light contrast to the smoky flavors.
It also complements cozy meals like Creamy Chicken Orzotto or Creamy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. For something fun and casual, try it alongside Chicken Bacon and Ranch Flatbread Pizza.

Desserts

After a fresh salad, a fruity dessert is always a nice finish. We like pairing it with Homemade Buttermilk Peach Cobbler or Apple Pie Bars for a warm, comforting treat.
If you prefer something bright and citrusy, Sourdough Discard Lemon Bars or Poppy Seed Lemon Cake Roll with a Strawberry Puree make a refreshing way to end the meal.

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FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely. The vinaigrette can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate.

What if I don’t have pecans?

You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Toast them first to bring out their flavor and add extra crunch.

How long does it keep?

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The dressing will keep separately for about a week. Once dressed, it’s best enjoyed the same day so the greens stay crisp.

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Strawberry White Chocolate Sourdough Bread – This strawberry white chocolate sourdough bread is heavenly! It’s a dessert sourdough recipe that is a must-try. It is a delightful flavor combination paired with the tangy sourdough.
Berry Croissant Bake – Berry croissant bake is made with layers of mixed berries, croissants that are soaked in a cream cheese mixture with a hint of lemon zest!
Sugar Snap Pea Salad – if you love a crunchy texture in your salad as much as I do, then you will adore this sugar snap pea salad! It’s fresh, savory, creamy and crunchy.
Shrimp Spring Rolls with Creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce – These fresh shrimp spring rolls are light, colorful, and packed with veggies, rice noodles, and shrimp, plus the best peanut dipping sauce.

If you try this Strawberry Pecan Salad recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lizasfarmhouse!