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Fresh Strawberry Arugula Salad with Candied Pecans

Fresh Strawberry Arugula Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad combining peppery arugula, juicy strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a fresh and satisfying dish perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Pecans: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup pecan halves and 2 tablespoons sugar, stirring constantly. Toast pecans until golden and sugar melts into a sticky coating, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and spread pecans on parchment paper to cool.
  2. Make the Balsamic Glaze: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by half (about 10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prep the Salad Ingredients: Rinse and dry 4 cups arugula thoroughly. Hull and slice 1 pint of fresh strawberries into thin slices. Crumble 1/4 cup feta cheese if using.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced strawberries, and candied pecans. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat without bruising the berries or leaves.
  6. Serve: Plate the salad and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Finish with a light drizzle of the balsamic glaze for a glossy, tangy finish. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

If the balsamic glaze thickens too much as it cools, gently warm it up again to loosen before drizzling. Dry arugula thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Toss salad gently to prevent bruising strawberries and wilting arugula. Candied pecans can be made ahead and toasted briefly before serving to refresh crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, arugula salad, candied pecans, balsamic glaze, fresh salad, summer salad, quick salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fresh-strawberry-arugula-salad-with-candied-pecans-easy-homemade-recipe/