Spinach Strawberry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Cotija
I’ve always liked salads that feel a little unexpected, and this spinach strawberry salad fits perfectly into that category. If you’re the loves fruit-in-salad type of person, you probably already know the simple joy of sweet fruit paired with something savory. Juicy strawberries, salty Cotija cheese, and warm toasted pecans turn ordinary spinach into something surprisingly satisfying.
The beauty of this salad is how uncomplicated it is. Start with fresh, torn spinach leaves, scatter in sliced strawberries, crumble in a little Cotija, and finish with toasted pecans for crunch. Add a light drizzle of basic Italian dressing and it becomes the kind of meal you can literally toss and eat without thinking twice.
There’s something quietly pleasing about the balance here. The strawberries bring sweetness, the pecans add a bit of nuttiness, and the Cotija contributes a gentle salinity that keeps the whole thing from tasting too sweet. It’s the sort of combination that feels just a little winsome, yet still very familiar.
Want a little more substance? If you want a full meal, throw some chicken in and call it a day. Grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and turns this quick salad into something that feels almost homespun but still fresh and bright.
