Description

Strawberry Crack Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish combining fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, sweet dressing. This salad offers a unique mix of textures and flavors, from tangy feta cheese to chewy mini marshmallows, making it a perfect side or light meal for warm weather or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

4 cups fresh spinach
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
1/2 cup strawberry yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Hull and slice the strawberries into thin, even pieces to enhance the salad’s texture. Chop the pecans coarsely if using whole nuts, and thinly slice the red onion for a mild sharpness.
Make the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping, strawberry yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a light and creamy dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until every ingredient is evenly coated, ensuring balanced flavor in each bite.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes; this chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing evenly, then serve chilled for a refreshing taste experience.

Notes

Substitute spinach with mixed greens or arugula for a different flavor base.
Use almonds or sunflower seeds instead of pecans for a nut-free or different nut option.
Replace feta cheese with goat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for varying taste or dietary needs.
Make sure to chill the salad to let flavors meld well before serving.
Mini marshmallows add a unique chewy texture; omit if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook, Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 230
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Strawberry Crack Salad, Spinach Salad, Fruity Salad, Summer Salad, Creamy Dressing Salad, Sweet and Savory Salad