Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. I start this salad by making the candied pecans. Then, I make a sweet Strawberry Vinaigrette. Finally, I toss them all together with fresh strawberries, blueberries, red onions, and goat cheese. We like this salad for several reasons. First of all, I like that I can make this whole salad in just about fifteen minutes. Secondly, I like that I can make this salad ahead of time. I like to candy the pecans and assemble the salad early in the day and add the dressing right before serving. And, lastly, we all love the creamy goat cheese, crisp greens, sweet pecans and sweet berries in this salad.
The Equipment I Used
- A Salad Spinner- I use this to dry my salad greens. If your lettuce is wet the dressing won’t cling to them.
- A Big Bowl- Use this to toss the salad and dressing all together.
- A Food Processor- I use this to make the Strawberry Vinaigrette.
The Ingredients Needed for Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
- Pecans- I like to use halved pecans when I can find them. Otherwise, I use chopped pecans.
- Strawberries and Blueberries- I try to find the freshest and most beautiful berries.
- Goat Cheese- I store my goat cheese in the freezer, so it doesn’t go bad.
- Oil- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I like the California Olive Ranch brand.
- Strawberry Jam- I used the Stonewall Farms brand of jam.
- Rice Wine Vinegar- I like this because it’s nice and mild. You can find it in the vinegar or Asian section of your market.
How I Made my Salad
- First, I made the vinaigrette. Process the ingredients until the jam is broken up and combined with everything else.
- Next, I candied the pecans. Be sure to watch them so that they don’t burn.
- Finally, I tossed all the ingredients together.
If you like berries you need to try this quick and easy Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad.
Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1½ cups sliced strawberries
- 4 cups Spring greens
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup blueberries
For the Candied Pecans:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp. brown sugar
For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp. strawberry jam
Instructions
- First, make the Strawberry Vinaigrette: Process the jam in the food processor until it's smooth. Then, combine the jam with the rest of the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and shake it to combine everything.
- Also, make the candied pecans: Heat a medium skillet on medium heat and melt the butter and brown sugar together. Add the pecans and stir them until the pecans are toasty and coated with the sugar. Let them cool on a wax paper lined plate.
- In a large bowl, toss together the greens, strawberries, red onions, blueberries, goat cheese, pecans, and as much dressing as you want.
