Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
• ½ cup candied pecans or toasted pecans
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

For the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into bite-sized pieces once cooled.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Wash and thoroughly dry the salad greens. Hull and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, crumble the feta cheese, and roughly chop the pecans if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, add the salad greens. Top with the sliced strawberries, crumbled bacon, feta cheese, pecans, red onion, dried cranberries, and fresh basil or parsley.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the balsamic poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently until all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while the bacon is crisp and the strawberries are fresh. Garnish with extra feta cheese, pecans, or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Bacon Salad

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
• Dry the salad greens thoroughly so the dressing clings well.
• Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
• Toast the pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Thick-cut bacon provides the best texture.
• Chill the dressing for 15–20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor.

Delicious Variations

Grilled Chicken Strawberry Salad

Add sliced grilled chicken breast for a complete, protein-packed meal.

Avocado Strawberry Salad

Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

Blueberry Berry Salad

Mix in fresh blueberries or raspberries for even more fruity flavor.

Walnut Version

Replace the pecans with toasted walnuts or sliced almonds.

Vegan Version

Skip the bacon and cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Citrus Strawberry Salad

Add mandarin oranges and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright citrus twist.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss with the dressing only when ready to serve for the freshest texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Favorite Strawberry Bacon Salad pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon
• Garlic bread
• Quiche
• Pasta dishes
• Roasted turkey
• Lemon herb chicken
• Soup and sandwiches
• Grilled steak
• Fresh fruit

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 8% DV
• Vitamin C: 70% DV