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    Home » Easy Keto Recipes » Keto Spinach Salad

    Keto Spinach Salad

    Published: Apr 9, 2021 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Apr 19, 2021 · 1045 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for a fresh lunch or side, that pairs perfectly with the warm weather? You have to try this Keto Spinach Salad with strawberries, pecans, goat cheese, and pickled onions! The flavor combination of sweet fruit, rich cheese, and crunchy nuts is simply outstanding, and the tang of the onions and homemade poppyseed dressing really takes it to the next level. You’ll also love that it only takes minutes to prep. (So it’s perfect for a quick lunch!) If you’ve been looking for a salad that tastes like spring and summer in a bowl, this is one recipe you can’t miss.

    Overhead photo of a white plate with a Keto Spinach Salad with strawberries and pickled onions.

    Salads have always been one of my favorite foods. They’re easy to throw together, they’re packed with healthy ingredients, and there are so many amazing flavor combinations to try.

    Let me tell you, as soon as the weather starts to warm up, this Keto Spinach Salad is always on my menu! Strawberries make it perfect for spring and summer, while rich goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, pickled onions, and homemade poppyseed dressing come together for a texture and flavor combination that is out of this world.

    Short on time? You can always skip pickling the onions, which means making your salad will be as simple as combining the ingredients and tossing everything in the salad dressing. Your dish can be ready in minutes flat!

    But I will say that the pickled onions add an amazing tanginess that takes the salad to the next level. So, if you have the time, I highly recommend giving them a try.

    This keto strawberry spinach salad makes a delicious light lunch or simple side dish. If you serve it alongside the main course, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the star of the meal!

    Ingredients for Making Keto Spinach Side Salad

    Overheat photo of prep bowls with spinach, pecans, goat cheese, swerve, seasonings, onions, red wine vinegar, and strawberries.
    • Baby Spinach - These nutrient-packed fresh greens give your salad a serious health boost. You can remove larger stems if you prefer.
    • Strawberries - You’ll want to hull the fruit, then cut each one into quarters. Strawberries have a lot of flavor, so a little goes a long way.
    • Pecans - To toast, chop up raw pecans and toss them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. You can dry-roast them or cook them in a fat like oil or bacon grease.
    • Goat Cheese - This soft, creamy cheese pairs well with the crunch of the pecans.
    • Red Onion - Cut half of an onion into slices before pickling.
    • Red Wine Vinegar - You’ll use the vinegar to pickle the onions.
    • Powdered Sweetener - I like to use Swerve Confectioners. If you only have granulated sweetener, throw it in a blender for a few seconds to powder it.
    • Keto Poppyseed Dressing - This simple salad dressing made with olive oil is perfect with your Keto Spinach Salad.

    Tricks and Variations

    • For a heartier meal, you can add some protein like cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp.
    • Instead of goat cheese, blue cheese or feta will work as well.
    • If you don’t have pecans, feel free to substitute any keto-friendly nut.

    Serving Suggestions

    • For a delicious main course that will have your whole family asking for seconds, Keto Parmesan Crusted Chicken is always a crowd pleaser!
    • For a flavor-packed meal that can be ready in 15 minutes, it doesn’t get much easier than Instant Pot Frozen Salmon.
    • For a lean protein that works just as well for a weeknight as it does for a holiday dinner, you’ll love Keto Turkey Tenderloin.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Spinach Salad Keto Friendly?


    As long as all of the ingredients and the dressing are low in carbs, then yes! This salad is a great dish for a keto way of eating.

    Can You Eat Fruit On Keto?


    In moderation, fruit can be eaten as part of a keto diet. I recommend berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries that are low in sugar. Savory fruit like avocado is also a good low-carb option.

    Tools Needed To Make Keto Spinach Salad

    • Saucepan
    • Large bowl

    Storage

    To make this low carb salad ahead of time, you can mix the spinach, strawberries, toasted nuts, and goat cheese. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then toss in the dressing and add the pickled onions when you’re ready to eat.

    You can store the onions covered in the vinegar mixture in the refrigerator. They will keep for about a week.

    How To Make Keto Spinach Salad

    In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, ¼ cup water, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves, about 5 minutes.

    Place the onion slices in a bowl and pour the vinegar mixture on top. Allow the onion to sit for at least 30 minutes.

    Keto Poppy Seed Dressing being poured over spinach, strawberries, pickled onions, and goat cheese.

    In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese. 

    Drain the onions, then add them to the salad.

    Toss with the dressing and serve immediately

    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.

    You May Also Like These Keto Salad Recipes

    • The combination of crunchy romaine, crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese, avocado, and sweet heat dressing in this Low Carb Cobb Salad is enough to swoon over!
    • This Keto Caesar Salad combines classic flavors for a recipe that is filling and light at the same time.
    • For a hearty and flavorful salad that can be ready in less than 25 minutes, give this Keto Taco Salad a try!
    • Crisp-tender broccoli, pumpkin seeds, bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion topped off with a tangy dressing make Keto Low Carb Broccoli Salad a crave-worthy dish.
    Photo of keto spinach salad plated with a tossed bowl of salad behind it.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square overhead photo of a Keto Spinach Salad on a white plate.
    Print Recipe

    Keto Spinach Salad

    When you are looking for a delicious salad that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, it doesn't get any better than this Low Carb Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: salad
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 123.94kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Ingredients

    Quick Pickled Onions

    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons powdered Swerve or sweetener of choice
    • Salt and pepper
    • ½ red onion sliced

    Salad

    • 5 ounces baby spinach
    • 4 ounces strawberries about 1 ¼ cups, hulled and quartered
    • ½ cup toasted pecans
    • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
    • 1 recipe Keto Poppyseed Dressing
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, ¼ cup water, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves, about 5 minutes.
    • Place the onion in a bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
    • Combine the spinach, strawberries, pecans, and goat cheese in a large bowl.
    • Drain the onions and add them to the bowl.
    • Toss with the dressing and serve immediately

    Notes

    Nutritional information does not include dressing.  Carbohydrates do not include the sugar-alcohols from Swerve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123.94kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.34g | Protein: 5.16g | Fat: 10.08g | Saturated Fat: 3.29g | Cholesterol: 8.69mg | Sodium: 89.56mg | Potassium: 216.75mg | Fiber: 1.85g | Sugar: 1.91g | Vitamin A: 2417.59IU | Vitamin C: 18.57mg | Calcium: 61.35mg | Iron: 1.35mg
    « Keto Poppy Seed Dressing
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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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