This Pineapple Spinach Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic strawberry spinach salad. The sweetness of pineapple pairs wonderfully with the tangy feta and crunchy pecans, creating a satisfying balance of flavors. Drizzled with a homemade, garlicky vinaigrette, this salad is as simple as it is delicious, perfect for a light meal or as a side dish to complement any main course.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the dressing:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• ⅓ cup white wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• Pepper to taste

• ⅛ to ¼ tsp dry mustard (optional)

For the pecans:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup pecan halves

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

For the salad:

• 10-13 ounces spinach

• 1 pineapple, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 6 ounces feta cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or tupperware. Shake vigorously and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Pecans: In a small pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the pecans, stirring to coat. Add the brown sugar and stir again. Cook for 2-5 minutes, until the sugar begins to caramelize. Remove from heat and cool on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, pineapple, and feta cheese. Sprinkle the cooled pecans on top.

4. Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately. You may not use all the dressing, depending on your preference.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 544 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 42g

  • Saturated Fat: 11g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 22g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 42mg

• Potassium: 644mg

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 27g

• Vitamin A: 5717 IU

• Vitamin C: 103mg

• Calcium: 272mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Pineapple Spinach Salad Is So Great

This Pineapple Spinach Salad is a great way to elevate your regular salad routine. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy pineapple, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans offers a variety of textures and flavors. The tangy feta cheese adds a salty, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple, while the toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch.

The homemade dressing brings everything together with a garlicky, slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the feta. Plus, the dressing is incredibly easy to make, and you can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to suit your tastes. This salad can be enjoyed as a standalone light meal or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dish.

How to Make Pineapple Spinach Salad

This salad comes together in a few simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to serve in no time. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a mason jar or tupperware, combine 2 cloves of minced garlic, ⅓ cup olive oil, ⅓ cup white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally, you can add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon dry mustard to give the dressing a little extra depth. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

2. Caramelize the Pecans:
   In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of pecan halves to the pan and stir to coat the pecans in the melted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and stir again to combine. Cook for about 2-5 minutes, or until the sugar begins to caramelize and the pecans are golden brown and fragrant. Remove the pan from heat and spread the pecans on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet to cool.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, toss together 10-13 ounces of fresh spinach, 1 chopped pineapple (cut into bite-sized pieces), and 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese. Once the ingredients are well combined, sprinkle the cooled caramelized pecans on top.

4. Serve:
   Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. You may not need all the dressing depending on your personal preference, so start with a little and add more if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch of the salad.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This Pineapple Spinach Salad works because it combines ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The fresh spinach provides a crisp base, while the juicy pineapple adds a burst of sweetness that contrasts with the salty feta. The caramelized pecans offer a satisfying crunch, and the garlicky vinaigrette ties everything together with a light tang.

The balance of flavors—sweet, salty, tangy, and savory—makes this salad incredibly satisfying. The healthy fats from the pecans and the fiber-rich spinach make it a nutrient-packed dish, while the pineapple adds a refreshing, tropical element. It’s a versatile salad that can be served on its own or as a side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or a light pasta dish.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Pineapple Spinach Salad (based on the entire recipe) contains approximately 544 calories. This makes it a filling yet light option that’s perfect for a healthy meal or side. The salad is high in healthy fats (42g), thanks to the olive oil and pecans, which include beneficial monounsaturated fats. It also provides a good amount of protein (10g), mainly from the feta cheese and pecans.

The salad contains 6g of fiber, which supports digestive health, and 27g of sugar, which comes naturally from the pineapple. The high amount of vitamin A (5717 IU) and vitamin C (103mg) makes this salad a great choice for boosting immunity and supporting healthy skin. Additionally, the salad contains 272mg of calcium, which is important for bone health, and 3mg of iron, contributing to overall vitality.

Customizing the Pineapple Spinach Salad

While the basic recipe is delicious, there are several ways to customize it based on your preferences:

• Add Protein: If you want to make this salad a complete meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak to the salad. The flavors of the pineapple and feta will complement the protein beautifully.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions, for additional crunch and flavor.

• Substitute the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. You could also try roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different texture.

• Dressing Variations: If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can experiment with other vinegars like balsamic or apple cider vinegar in the dressing. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an extra tang.

• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative, and swap the honey with maple syrup or agave in the dressing.

Conclusion

Pineapple Spinach Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy pineapple, creamy feta, and caramelized pecans makes this salad both delicious and satisfying. With a simple homemade dressing and just a few ingredients, it’s easy to make and perfect for a light meal or as a side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a complement to grilled meat, this salad is sure to impress and become a staple in your recipe collection.