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Fresh Strawberry Pecan Arugula Salad Recipe with Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

fresh strawberry pecan arugula salad - featured image
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A quick and refreshing salad combining peppery arugula, sweet-tart strawberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups arugula (about 120g), washed and dried
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 150g)
  • ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped (about 60g)
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 30g)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Rinse and hull strawberries, then slice into halves or quarters depending on size.
  3. Thinly slice about ¼ of a small red onion. If desired, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain.
  4. In a small jar or bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened, about 30 seconds.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add arugula, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients without bruising the greens.
  7. Serve immediately. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain crispness.

Notes

Toast pecans yourself for best flavor or use pre-toasted. Dress salad just before serving to keep arugula crisp. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for brightness. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain well but texture may be softer. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based cheese. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for nut-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, arugula salad, pecan salad, lemon vinaigrette, quick salad, healthy salad, summer salad, easy dressing

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/fresh-strawberry-pecan-arugula-salad-recipe-with-easy-lemon-vinaigrette-dressing/