Strawberry Pecan Salad
A vibrant strawberry pecan salad featuring fresh greens, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a tangy homemade dressing—perfect for light lunches, picnics, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 bunch red leaf lettuce, torn ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries or 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of sugar over low heat.
- Add the pecans and stir until coated with the sugar.
- Cool the pecans, then break into small pieces and set aside.
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar; shake well to make the dressing.
- Just before serving, in a large bowl, combine torn red leaf lettuce, sliced strawberries or drained mandarin oranges, sliced red onion, and the toasted pecans.
- Shake the dressing again and pour over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter dressing, consider adding honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be great substitutes for pecans. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also add a unique flavor twist. Make sure to use ripe strawberries for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp. It can also serve as a refreshing side dish alongside dishes like Baked New Potatoes. For a more filling meal, consider adding quinoa or farro. This Strawberry Pecan Salad is perfect for summer barbecues or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad can last for about 1-2 days, but it's best eaten fresh to maintain the texture of the lettuce. When ready to enjoy again, toss with fresh greens and dressing to refresh the flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Pecan Salad contains roughly 388 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2104mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. You can store the components separately for up to a day.
What other fruits can I use in this salad?
In addition to strawberries, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Sliced peaches or apples would also work well, adding a different flavor profile while maintaining the freshness of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by ensuring the dressing is made without honey, and by using a vegan-friendly sugar. It’s a great option for those following vegan recipes while still providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).