Description
This vibrant Pineapple Spinach Salad combines fresh spinach, sweet pineapple, and tangy feta cheese, topped with buttery caramelized pecans and a zesty homemade dressing. Quick to prepare and bursting with contrasting flavors and textures, it makes a perfect light lunch or refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
Salad
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 10-13 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 pineapple (chopped into bite-size pieces)
- 6 ounces feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine minced garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and dry mustard (if using) into a mason jar or airtight container. Shake vigorously until well blended and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Caramelize pecans: Heat butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add pecan halves and stir to coat them evenly. Sprinkle brown sugar over pecans and continue stirring occasionally for 2 to 5 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the nuts with a caramelized glaze. Remove pecans onto wax paper to cool and harden.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, chopped pineapple, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix ingredients evenly. Sprinkle cooled caramelized pecans on top.
- Serve: Offer the salad alongside the prepared dressing, allowing diners to add the desired amount of dressing to their servings. Note that not all dressing may be needed.
Notes
- Dry mustard is optional; taste the dressing before adding to adjust seasoning.
- Caramelized pecans can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain crisp spinach and crunchy nuts.
- Adjust sugar quantities in dressing and pecans to taste if a less sweet version is preferred.