Get ready to meet your new favorite salad. This Strawberry Crunch Salad is the perfect symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy, with an irresistible crunch in every bite. It’s a vibrant, show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you need a light lunch, a stunning side for dinner, or a potluck showstopper, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
We combine fresh, juicy strawberries and crisp greens with creamy feta and candied pecans that are absolutely divine. But the real secret is the homemade creamy poppy seed dressing that ties everything together. It’s a salad that doesn’t just taste good; it makes you feel good.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crunch Salad Recipe
This isn’t just another boring salad. Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe on repeat:
A Symphony of Textures: From the crisp lettuce and juicy berries to the creamy feta and crunchy candied pecans, every bite is an adventure.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the strawberries and candied nuts is perfectly offset by the salty feta and the tangy, sweet dressing.
Stunning Presentation: With its vibrant colors, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for guests.
Quick & Easy Assembly: While it looks gourmet, the components are simple to prepare and the salad comes together in just minutes.
The Key Components of a Perfect Crunch Salad
The magic of this salad lies in the quality of its components. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it so special.
The Greens: A Fresh Foundation
We use a mix of spinach and romaine for the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Spinach adds a dose of nutrients and a tender texture, while romaine provides a crisp, refreshing bite. You can also use spring mix or butter lettuce if you prefer.
The Star: Sweet & Juicy Strawberries
The heart of our Strawberry Crunch Salad is, of course, the strawberries. Look for bright red, plump berries that are fragrant and firm. They provide the perfect burst of sweetness.
The Crunch: Homemade Candied Pecans
Forget store-bought candied nuts. Our homemade version is incredibly easy and tastes a million times better. A simple mix of pecans, sugar, and a pinch of salt creates a crunchy, sweet, and slightly savory topping that is truly addictive.
The Creaminess: Crumbled Feta Cheese
Crumbled feta cheese adds a briny, salty, and creamy element that beautifully contrasts the sweet berries. Goat cheese is also a fantastic alternative if you prefer its tangy flavor.
The Dressing: Tangy & Sweet Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
This is what sets our recipe apart. Our creamy poppy seed dressing is tangy, sweet, and utterly delicious. It’s made with simple ingredients but has a complex flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Candied Pecans:
1 cup raw pecan halves
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Salad:
8 cups mixed greens (spinach and romaine work well)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup candied pecans (from recipe above)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect salad every time.
Step 1: Make the Candied Pecans
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the pecans, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar is melted and the pecans are fragrant and toasted.
Immediately transfer the pecans to a piece of parchment paper in a single layer to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, roughly chop them.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
In a medium bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, onion powder, and salt.
Whisk or shake until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
The final toss! Gently combining all the flavors right before serving makes all the difference.
Step 3: Assemble the Strawberry Crunch Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and sliced red onion (if using).
Add about three-quarters of the chopped candied pecans and three-quarters of the crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle with your desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing and toss gently to combine.
Top with the remaining pecans and feta before serving. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Salad
Dress to Serve: Only add the dressing right before you plan to serve the salad. This keeps the greens crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Make Components Ahead: You can make the candied pecans and the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store the pecans in an airtight container at room temperature and the dressing in the refrigerator.
Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing salad, ensure your greens and strawberries are well-chilled before assembling.
Wash and Dry Greens Thoroughly: Use a salad spinner to ensure your greens are completely dry. The dressing will cling much better to dry leaves.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Strawberry Crunch Salad is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas:
Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a hearty main course.
Switch the Nuts: Candied walnuts or almonds would also be delicious.
Try Different Cheeses: Crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese would offer a tangier flavor profile.
Incorporate More Fruit: Fresh blueberries or mandarin oranges can add another layer of sweetness.
Look at that crunch! Our homemade candied pecans take this salad to the next level.
How to Store Strawberry Crunch Salad
It’s best to store the salad components separately to maintain freshness. Keep the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, candied pecans (in an airtight container), feta, and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator. When stored this way, the ingredients will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Assemble and toss with dressing just before serving.
A classic Strawberry Crunch Salad is typically made with a base of fresh greens like spinach or romaine, fresh sliced strawberries, a crunchy element like candied pecans or walnuts, and a creamy, salty cheese like feta or goat cheese. It’s all tied together with a sweet and tangy dressing, often a poppy seed vinaigrette.
A poppy seed dressing is the most popular choice for a strawberry salad because its tangy and sweet flavor profile perfectly complements the fruit. A light balsamic vinaigrette or a simple red wine vinaigrette also works well.
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. The candied pecans and the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored separately. Wash and chop your greens and strawberries, but for best results, only assemble and dress the salad right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
The key to keeping candied pecans crunchy is to let them cool completely in a single layer on parchment paper. Once cool, store them in a completely airtight container at room temperature. Any exposure to moisture in the air or refrigerator can make them sticky.
This salad is packed with nutrients from the spinach and strawberries, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. While it does contain sugar in the dressing and candied nuts, it can certainly be part of a balanced diet. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the pecans and dressing.
Strawberry Crunch Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
This Strawberry Crunch Salad features juicy strawberries, homemade candied pecans, and creamy feta tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing. It's a vibrant, easy-to-make salad perfect for any occasion, from a light lunch to a stunning side dish.
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the pecans, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar is melted and the pecans are fragrant and toasted.
Immediately transfer the pecans to a piece of parchment paper in a single layer to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, roughly chop them.
Prepare the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
In a medium bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, onion powder, and salt.
Whisk or shake until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Strawberry Crunch Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and sliced red onion (if using).
Add about three-quarters of the chopped candied pecans and three-quarters of the crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle with your desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing and toss gently to combine.
Top with the remaining pecans and feta before serving. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalProtein: 6gFat: 34gFiber: 4g
Notes
Dress to Serve: Only add the dressing right before you plan to serve the salad to keep the greens crisp. Make Ahead: The candied pecans and dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Storage: Store all components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before eating.
We are certain this Strawberry Crunch Salad will become a staple in your home. It’s the perfect blend of easy, elegant, and delicious. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks!
The only Strawberry Crunch Salad recipe you'll ever need! Perfect for summer parties and easy lunches.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
