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Fresh Strawberry Fields Salad with Candied Pecans

Hillary Rooney-Fernandes
A Sweet, Savoury, and Refreshing Salad You’ll Love
When the days get warmer, and the sun shines a little brighter, there’s nothing better than a fresh, vibrant salad bursting with flavor. Enter the Fresh Strawberry Fields Salad with Candied Pecans, Cherry Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, and Sweet & Creamy Poppyseed Dressing. This salad is everything you could want on a plate: it’s light, refreshing, sweet, and savory, with just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy.
Whether you're looking for a delicious side dish to bring to a picnic, a stunning starter for a dinner party, or a light lunch that feels indulgent, this salad has you covered. Let’s dive into how this beautiful salad comes together and why it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Fields Salad
There’s something magical about a salad that feels both decadent and fresh at the same time, and this salad strikes that balance perfectly. Here’s what makes it so special:
Sweet and Tangy Flavours: The combination of fresh strawberries and cherry tomatoes creates a vibrant, juicy base that’s bursting with flavour. The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the savoury richness of the blue cheese, making every bite feel like a flavour explosion.
Crunchy Candied Pecans: The homemade candied pecans add a delightful, caramelised crunch to the salad. Their sweetness brings out the fruit’s natural sugars while providing a perfect contrast to the creamy dressing and tangy cheese.
Sweet & Creamy Poppyseed Dressing: Follow Our Recipe
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 6 People
Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed greens a mix of spinach, arugula, and baby kale works well, but feel free to use any greens you prefer
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced (optional, for a bit of sharpness)
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbled (or more, depending on your taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil torn into pieces (optional, for a fresh aromatic flavor)

Candied Pecans:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional, for added warmth and spice
  • Pinch of salt

Sweet & Creamy Poppyseed Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a milder flavor
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version
  • 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice adds a fresh tang to balance the sweetness

Instructions
 

Prepare the Candied Pecans:

  • In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
  • Stir to coat the pecans evenly, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. The sugar will melt and caramelize around the pecans, giving them a golden, crunchy coating.
  • Once the pecans are done, remove them from the heat and spread them out on a piece of parchment paper to cool. The pecans will harden as they cool.

Make the Sweet & Creamy Poppyseed Dressing: Our Recipe

    Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
    • Add the crumbled blue cheese on top of the salad. The creamy, tangy blue cheese will complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the creamy dressing.

    Add the Dressing:

    • Drizzle the Sweet & Creamy Poppyseed Dressing over the salad. Start with a few tablespoons and toss gently, adding more as needed to coat the salad evenly.

    Garnish and Serve:

    • Sprinkle the candied pecans over the top of the salad for a sweet, crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and fresh fruit.
    • Garnish with a few torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
    • Serve immediately, and enjoy the refreshing, indulgent flavors of this delightful salad!

    Notes

    Why This Salad Works:
    Perfectly Balanced: The fresh strawberries and cherry tomatoes provide a sweet, juicy base, while the blue cheese adds richness and a bit of sharpness. The candied pecans bring a crunchy, caramelized sweetness, and the poppyseed dressing ties it all together with its creamy, sweet, and tangy finish.
    Sweet & Creamy Dressing: The homemade dressing is rich and indulgent, with just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess to complement the salad’s fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
    Versatile & Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and tang of the dressing to your liking, or even add other fruits or nuts to the salad to make it your own!
    Customization Tips:
    Vegan Version: For a vegan version, replace the blue cheese with a dairy-free alternative, use maple syrup in place of honey, and substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo. You can also use coconut cream or cashew cream for the dressing.
    Add More Protein: To make the salad a more substantial meal, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a scoop of quinoa or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
    Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumber, avocado, or roasted beets, to enhance the texture and flavor profile.
    Serving Suggestions:
    This Fresh Strawberry Fields Salad is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant starter for dinner. Pair it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a rosé for a crisp, refreshing accompaniment to the sweet, creamy salad. It’s also delicious as part of a summer barbecue or a picnic in the park.
     
    This Fresh Strawberry Fields Salad with Candied Pecans, Cherry Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, and Sweet & Creamy Poppyseed Dressing is a delightful, balanced dish that combines sweet, savory, and creamy elements in the best way possible. The combination of fresh strawberries and tomatoes with the rich blue cheese, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing creates a salad that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
    Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a refreshing, crowd-pleasing salad that's perfect for any occasion. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 222mgPotassium: 207mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, pecans, salad, Strawberry
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!