Imagine a vibrant salad bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries, crisp greens, and the irresistible crunch of sweet, buttery praline pecans, all tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing. This Strawberry Praline Salad is a beloved Southern classic, celebrated for its unique blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. It’s an incredibly refreshing, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, or any meal that calls for a bright and unforgettable side dish.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of salads that surprise and delight, offering a complex interplay of flavors and textures, and this Strawberry Praline Salad absolutely nails it! What I absolutely adore is the way the sweetness of fresh strawberries perfectly contrasts with the savory crunch of the praline pecans. The vibrant greens provide a fresh base, and that creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing ties everything together with an irresistible sweetness. It feels incredibly gourmet and refreshing, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it my ultimate go-to for effortless summer entertaining or a quick, healthy meal. It’s truly sunshine on a plate!
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spring mix, romaine, or spinach)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or halved
- ½ cup praline pecans, coarsely chopped (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Swaps and Notes
- Greens: Mixed salad greens provide a light base. You can use any crisp lettuce like Romaine, or tender spinachor butter lettuce.
- Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe, and sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Ensure they’re hulled and sliced or halved consistently.
- Praline Pecans: These are crucial for the “praline” element. You can buy them pre-made, or easily make them by coating pecans in a simple sugar syrup and baking until crisp. If unavailable, toasted pecans or walnuts can be used with a sprinkle of brown sugar.
- Red Onion (Optional): Adds a sharp, fresh bite. For a milder flavor, soak the sliced red onion in ice water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- Mayonnaise (Dressing): Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise for the creamy base.
- Milk (Dressing): Whole milk will give the creamiest dressing. 2% milk is fine.
- Sugar & Vinegar (Dressing): Adjust the amounts of granulated sugar and white vinegar to your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess. Apple cider vinegar offers a slightly fruitier tang.
- Poppy Seeds (Dressing): These are essential for the classic poppy seed dressing flavor and texture.
- Other Fruits (Optional): You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin orange segments for extra color and flavor.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Wash and dry the 6 cups mixed salad greens. Place them in a large salad bowl. Hull and slice or halve the 2 cups fresh strawberries. Add them to the salad bowl. Coarsely chop the ½ cup praline pecans. Add them to the salad bowl. If using, thinly slice the ½ small red onion and add it to the bowl.
2. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Dress and Toss the Salad: Just before serving, pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the greens, strawberries, and pecans are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve your vibrant and delicious Strawberry Praline Salad immediately. Enjoy this delightful sweet, crunchy, and refreshing summer side!
Tips for Success
- Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The success of this salad hinges on using sweet, flavorful fresh strawberries.
- Crisp Greens: Ensure your salad greens are very cold and crisp. Pat them dry after washing.
- Homemade Praline Pecans: While store-bought is convenient, homemade praline pecans are easy and add incredible flavor and freshness.
- Add Dressing Just Before Serving: To prevent the greens from wilting and the pecans from getting soggy, dress the salad right before serving.
- Chill Ingredients: Keep all salad components well-chilled until assembly for maximum refreshment.
- Adjust Sweetness/Tanginess of Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your preference.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Strawberry Praline Salad is an incredibly versatile and refreshing side dish that complements a wide array of summer meals.
- Barbecue & Grilling: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, pork, or steak.
- Light Lunch: A satisfying and refreshing option for a quick lunch on its own.
- Picnics & Potlucks: A fantastic, easy-to-transport dish that’s always a hit at summer gatherings.
- Brunch: A beautiful and fresh addition to a weekend brunch spread.
- Complementary Drinks: Pair with This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days or This Rainbow Sangria Is My Favorite Colorful Drink for Any Celebration.
- For other refreshing and healthy salad or fruit-based dishes, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after being dressed.
- Store Components Separately: If making ahead or storing leftovers, keep the undressed salad greens, strawberries, and praline pecans (in separate containers) from the poppy seed dressing.
- Dressing: The poppy seed dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk well before using.
- Praline Pecans: Store cooled praline pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Assembly: When ready to serve, combine the chilled salad ingredients and dress just before tossing.
- Not Recommended for Leftovers (Dressed): Once dressed, the greens and pecans will soften quickly. Only dress the amount you plan to eat immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Praline Salad is a truly delightful and incredibly refreshing side dish that perfectly captures the vibrant essence of summer. Its sweet strawberries, crunchy praline pecans, and tangy poppy seed dressing make it an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to savor every sweet, crunchy, and delicious bite!
What are your go-to unique salad recipes for summer gatherings, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your fruit salads extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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