Mint-Infused Derby Salad with Strawberries and Pecans
A fresh salad combining baby greens, juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and a bright mint vinaigrette inspired by Derby traditions. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs baby spinach, sliced fresh strawberries, chopped toasted pecans into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup, sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup, chopped toasted pecans
- 1/3 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups baby spinach, 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans, and 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until fully emulsified.
- Step 3: Stir 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves into the dressing, then pour over the salad.
- Step 4: Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mint-Infused Derby Salad with Strawberries and Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mint-Infused Derby Salad with Strawberries and Pecans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep baby spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mint-Infused Derby Salad with Strawberries and Pecans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mint-Infused Derby Salad with Strawberries and Pecans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mint-Infused Derby Salad with Strawberries and Pecans?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
