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Say hello to FLAVOR with our Strawberry Pecan Salad with Mozzarella and Honey Vinaigrette! If you want a recipe that, people always say- I MUST HAVE this one. You are in the right place! With juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy mozzarella, this salad is a flavor explosion. The honey vinaigrette adds the perfect touch of sweetness to compliment!
This Candied Pecan Strawberry Salad Recipe is a fantastic choice for a fresh and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying, and is just the thing to bring to a party, serve for baby showers, or pack in a picnic!
I have to start by saying my inspiration for this salad is a local restaurant called Old Town. Their strawberry Salad is one of my family’s and many locals alike most favorite salads. I have been on a mission to replicate the dressing, and I think I have finally nailed it!
Thank goodness, because this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. And this is just what I did to test it out on some friends and family-served it at a gathering! There were rave reviews, and my sister-in-law said she thinks “it’s even better than the restaurants”! I knew I loved her for some reason ;)!
With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, this Strawberry Pecan Salad with Mozzarella and Honey Vinaigrette is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection too.
Ingredient Notes
Variations and Substitutions
- Greens: I really recommend you try this combination just once. But you can substitute fresh spinach or arugula for the spring mix.
- Tangy Cheese: For extra bite, use feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, or gorgonzola instead of mozzarella.
- Swap praline pecans with regular toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Honey: If you don’t have honey on hand, a good swap is maple syrup.
- Add-ins: Add creamy avocado slices or seeds like sunflower seeds or pepitas for crunch.
- Nuts: Swap the candied pecans for candied walnuts or honey-roasted peanuts. You can also replace the candied nuts with roasted almonds or toasted nuts of choice.
- To change up the dressing, you could add poppy seeds, some Dijon mustard, or a squeeze of lemon juice
How To Make a Strawberry Candied Pecan Salad with Mozzarella and Honey Vinaigrette
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Make the Honey Red Wine Vinaigrette
Start by pouring the oil, honey, vinegar, salt, and black pepper into a small jar. Put the lid on tight and give it a good shake until everything’s mixed.
Step 2 | Chop the Salad Ingredients
Then give your strawberries a good wash, then dry them off and remove the stems.
Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Next, chop up those candied pecans.
Step 3 | Add Ingredients to a Serving Bowl and Toss
Grab a large bowl or serving plate and add your spring mix and romaine hearts. Sprinkle the cheese and strawberries on top.
Step 4 | Dress and Enjoy
When you’re ready to eat, add the pecans and drizzle with the dressing. Give it a good toss and serve on salad plates right away.
Enjoy!
Tips
- Chill the Salad: For an extra refreshing touch, chill your salad ingredients in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Mozzarella: Use a fresh block of mozzarella for a creamier texture. You can buy pre-shredded (I like whole milk Sargento), but shredding it yourself ensures it’s super fresh.
- Honey Vinaigrette: Adjust the sweetness of the honey vinaigrette to your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar. For a sweeter taste, add a little extra honey.
- Mixing the Dressing: Make sure to shake the jar well until the dressing is fully emulsified. This will ensure the flavors are well combined.
- Serving: Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the salad fresh. You can also leave the dressing off and let individuals dress each salad to their liking.
- Garnishing: Save a few whole strawberries and pecans to garnish the top of the salad. It adds a nice touch and makes the salad look extra appealing (pretty, as we say here in the South).
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but add the dressing and pecans just before serving to keep it fresh. If it is going to much more than a few hours, I really recommend storing strawberries separately as well. There is so much water content in them you don’t want to end up with a soggy salad.
Blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries are great alternatives.
A balsamic vinaigrette or raspberry vinaigrette would also work well. Although, again, the salad in its original combination is amazing!
Storage
Storage: Store salad and dressing separately. Keep the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Store the dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Add pecans and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
To Prep Ahead: Make the salad dressing in a jar with a lid and store all of the chopped ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator. Minus the pecans, keep them at room temperature. Make ahead the day before and you are all set to serve a beautiful salad.
What to Serve with Sweet Strawberry Salad
This strawberry salad makes the perfect side to any meal. We love it with pizza, grilled chicken breasts, or pork chops! But if you want to make it a more substantial meal on its own, add some grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp on top of the salad.
The combination of textures and flavors will leave your taste buds craving more!
Other Summer Salad Recipes
- Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta
- Easy Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Lemon Vinaigrette
- Columbia Restaurants Famous 1905 Salad
- Chick-fil-a Copycat Kale Crunch Salad
Strawberry Recipes
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Strawberry Pecan Salad with Mozzarella and Sweet Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 cups spring mix
- 4 cups romaine hearts
- 2 cups coarsely chopped strawberries, washed, dried, and stems removed, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, or to taste
- 1 cup chopped praline pecans, plus extra for garnish
Honey Red Wine Vinaigrette
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
- Add oil, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Cover and shake well.
For Strawberry Pecan Salad
- Wash, dry, and remove stems from strawberries. Then, coarsely chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Chop the candied pecans.
- To a serving bowl or plate, add spring mix and romaine hearts to a bowl. Top with cheese and strawberries.
- When ready to serve, top with pecans and dressing. Toss and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chill the Salad: For an extra refreshing touch, chill your salad ingredients in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Mozzarella: Use a fresh block of mozzarella for a creamier texture. You can buy pre-shredded (I like whole milk Sargento), but shredding it yourself ensures it’s super fresh.
- Honey Vinaigrette: Adjust the sweetness of the honey vinaigrette to your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more vinegar. For a sweeter taste, add a little extra honey.
- Mixing the Dressing: Make sure to shake the jar well until the dressing is fully emulsified. This will ensure the flavors are well combined.
- Serving: Toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the salad fresh. You can also leave the dressing off and let individuals dress each salad to their liking.
- Garnishing: Save a few whole strawberries and pecans to garnish the top of the salad. It adds a nice touch and makes the salad look extra appealing.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
This salad was delicious. Turned an ordinary salad mix into something special. Love the simple yet flavor packed dressing. This will be a regular on my table.
Thank you, Betty!! We love this one on our menu rotation too!
Great salad recipe. Love the vinaigrette – sweet and tangy *chef kiss*
Thank you so much, Mandy!
What a beautiful salad. This recipe was perfect for our girls’ luncheon. The vinaigrette was delicious too.
Thank you, Jules! I am so happy to hear you shared it with friends!
I am so happy you cracked the code on this salad recipe! My family loves this salad at Olde Towne and now we can make it at home. 😀
I made this salad for a small dinner party with friends and everyone raved about it. And being so simple to prepare I can easily make it weekdays when I have more limited time.
Thanks, Nikki! ❤️
Thank you, Julie! It’s one I really wanted to get right and I am glad to hear you loved it and shared with friends! Also, thanks for participating in our #soulfullymadecookingclub June challenge!
This is the best Strawberry salad. I’ve made it multiple times. 5 stars for me.
Thank you for the rating and I loved to hear you shared this at work and they already want you to make it again this week!!