If you’re looking for an enticing salad that’s as delicious as it is vibrant This Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad fits the perfect description! The mix of bright sweet pecans, crunchy strawberries and fresh spring greens smooth goat cheese and sweet lemon vinaigrette makes a delicious combination of flavors and textures. If it’s for a casual meal, an intimate event or barbecue in the backyard it’s always a huge hit.
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The Story Behind the Salad
As a cook at home, I’ve always been awed by simple, yet delicious dishes that elevate any event. The concept of the recipe Strawberry And Candied Pecan Salad came from my desire to make a salad that would combine fresh ingredients and a bit of sugar and crunch. I still remember my first experience with it. tried it. I was playing with various flavors and tossing pecans in butter and brown sugar, but they turned into a sweet, crisp topping that changed the whole salad.
The savory and sweet of the candied pecans works perfectly with the ripe strawberries, making this salad an ideal balance of freshness and a taste of indulgence. This is one of the recipes that will never fail to delight and surprise, regardless of who you serve it. My family is a fan and I’m sure that you will too.
Ingredients for Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
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Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad Recipe – A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Strawberry Candied Pecan Salad – a refreshing and simple summer dish featuring sweet strawberries, blueberries, fresh greens, and crunchy candied pecans.
Ingredients
6 cups spring greens
11/2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup of blueberries
5 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
Candied Pecans
1 cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Lemon Vinaigrette
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/4 – 1/3 olive oil
Instructions
Start with the pecans so that they have time to cool. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and brown sugar and melt together. Then add the pecans, stir the pecans in the sugar syrup until coated, cook for 2-3 minutes until toasty. Remove from heat and cool on parchment paper or a Silpat baking liner.
Then mix up all of the ingredients for the tangy dressing in a mason jar or a small bowl. Shake or whisk until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
For the salad, add the spring salad mix to a serving bowl, then top with washed sliced strawberries, blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Tips, Variations, and Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
It’s a great recipe. Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad is an already standout recipe There are plenty of methods to enhance it different and flexible. We will go over variations, tips as well as expert tips to allow you to personalize this recipe to take it to the higher level.
1. Add More Crunch and Texture
The candied pecans offer a delicious crunch, you can add the other elements to give you an even greater variety.
- Tasted Toasted Sunflower Seeds They give a light crunch and the nutty taste blends perfectly with the sweet strawberry and candied pecans.
- Walnuts or almonds swap in and mix in other nuts, such as walnuts that have been toasted or slivered almonds. Walnuts provide a deep earthy taste which contrasts well with the sweet of pecans. On the other hand, almonds provide a milder crisp crunch that is more subtle.
- Croutons for the bread crunch, try adding the croutons you make yourself or buy from a store in the salad. Pick a herb or garlic selection for a boost of flavour.
2. Customize the Cheese
Cheese is among the most important ingredients that make this Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad delicious. The goat cheese can be described as delicious and creamy There are a variety of ways to make this salad more suited for your tastes:
- Feta Swap goat cheese with crumbled feta to get a tart and briny flavor that goes perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit. Feta is also a bit firmer in consistency.
- Ricotta If you’re looking for lighter cheese, ricotta will give a subtle texture and creaminess. It’s particularly good to have softness but without the strong flavor of goat cheese.
- Blue Cheese If you want more of a smoky and flavorful flavour, you can use blue cheese. Blue cheese’s sharpness is a perfect match for the sweet fruit and pecans that are candied and adds a hint of elegance.
3. Add Protein to Make it a Meal
This Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad could be easily transformed into a nutritious and satisfying main meal by adding proteins. Below are some great choices:
- Grilled Chicken The classic element to any salad grilling chicken breasts is a healthy protein source that can keep you full without overwhelming flavorful flavors in the salad.
- Grilled Shrimp for an exotic twist on seafood, grilling shrimp is delicious with fruity and tart dressing. The dish is light and delicious.
- Steak for a more substantial protein choice, try adding some thinly cut slices of cooked steak. Smoky flavors of steak is a perfect match for the savory and sweet elements in the salad.
- Tofu Tofu: If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can add tofu grilled. It will absorb the flavor of the dressing, and gives an excellent protein boost and still retains the fresh, light flavor to the dish.
4. Dress it up (or down) by experimenting with the Vinaigrette
The lemon vinaigrette tastes tangy and delicate, offering an excellent balance to sweetness of candied pecans as well as fresh fruit. You can alter the dressing according to preferences:
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: If you want a deeper, more complicated flavor, try using balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice. The subtle acidity and sweetness that balsamic vinegar imparts will increase the flavor of the salad while providing richness.
- Honey Mustard Dressing If you’d like more sweet dressing, combine equal amounts of honey with Dijon mustard, along with some olive oil. This dressing can be particularly effective with chicken, or grilling shrimp.
- Maple Vinaigrette swap the maple syrup or honey in the dressing with pure maple syrup to create the caramel-like, deeper sweetness that pairs well with the pecans.
5. Make the Salad Ahead of Time (But Keep the Pecans Separate!)
This Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad is simple and quick to make If you prefer to prepare the salad ahead of time you can follow a few actions you could take:
- Create your Salad Ingredients The salad ingredients can be prepared by washing and cut the blueberries, the strawberries, as well as prepare the greens ahead of time. Keep them in airtight containers within the refrigerator so that they stay fresh.
- Prepare the dressing Lemon vinaigrette recipe can be prepared in advance and then stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to shake or stir it prior to serving in order to mix all the ingredients.
- Candied Pecans In order to keep the crunchiness, it is best to create the candied pecans the day you intend to serve them. They can soften over time, which is why it’s better to separate them prior to serving.
6. Lighter Version of the Salad
If you’re in search of an easier, less calorific variation of this Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad, you can make some of the suggestions below:
- Choose a light dressing Alternate olive oil in favor of something lighter like plain Greek yogurt, or a less calorific vinaigrette.
- Reducing the amount of candied Pecans Candied pecans are crunchy and sweet, but they are also very high in sugar. It is possible to reduce the quantity or switch them out for lightly baked pecans that retain their crunch but without the sugar.
- Do not include cheese or use less Cheese made from goats is delightful but may cause a significant increase in calories. Try using less or choosing a lower-fat cheese.
7. Explore the variety of seasonal Fruits
Although strawberries are the main ingredient of this Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad, you could prepare it throughout the year by changing your fruits according to the time of year:
- Summer add blackberries, raspberries or peaches if they’re available. The fruits add a delicious sweet taste that goes well with the pecans.
- Autumn The colder months, add slices of apple or pear slices. Their juicy, crisp texture creates a beautiful contrast to other ingredients for salad.
- Winter Fruits of the Winter like oranges and grapefruits, are refreshing to add. They provide a zingy sweetness which is a perfect match with the sweet vinaigrette.
8. Serve it Family-Style for a Gathered Meal
If you’re hosting guests, or having a relaxed family meal, you can serve this Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad. Place all of the ingredients in separate bowls, and let each create their own salad by mixing and matching the ingredients based on the flavors they prefer. It adds an enjoyable and interactive aspect to the meal, while also allowing your guests to personalize their dishes.
Conclusion – Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
The Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad is an ideal blend of sweet, savory and tart flavors. It can be served as an appetizer or a accompaniment to a bigger dinner, it’s a simple recipe that’s sure to be a hit with the family. The combination of fresh blueberries, strawberries goat cheese, blueberries and candied pecans made from scratch make this salad a delicious accompaniment to any dish.
FAQ – Strawberry and Candied Pecan Salad
What is the distinction between candied and glazed pecans?
Candied pecans are coated with syrup made from sugar and butter, and later baked to form a crispy sweet coating. Pecans coated with glaze however are coated with a thinner and thicker coating that tends to remain somewhat tacky. Both are delicious, however candied pecans have more crunch!
Is strawberry pecan salad healthy?
Yes! The strawberry pecan salad includes fresh fruits greens, healthy fats that come from oils of olives and pecans. If you’re aware of the sugar content of the candied pecans you can have this salad as a component of a nutritious dinner. It’s a fantastic way to get a blend of nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamins.
What are the calories included in Longhorn Steakhouse Strawberry Pecan Salad?
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Strawberry Pecan Salad is packed with 540 calories for each serving. The calories are mostly from the candied pecans as well as the dressing. You can cut down on calories by making use of less dressing or choosing a less calorie version.