Every time I’ve gone to LongHorn Steakhouse, I’ve ordered their Strawberry Pecan Salad—it’s light, colorful, and somehow manages to be both refreshing and indulgent at once. The mix of juicy strawberries, crunchy candied pecans, tangy cheese, and crisp greens is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty. The first time I recreated it at home, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make—and how fresh it tasted compared to the restaurant version.
Now, this salad has become one of my favorite go-to recipes, especially during spring and summer. It’s perfect as a side with grilled steak or chicken, but I’ll often make it my main meal by adding a bit of protein. The flavors are vibrant, the textures are incredible, and it always looks beautiful on the table—one of those dishes that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This LongHorn Strawberry Pecan Salad is all about contrast—sweet strawberries, salty feta, crunchy nuts, and crisp lettuce all come together with a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s versatile and feels special without being fussy. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, brunches, or potlucks. You can customize it endlessly—swap cheeses, add chicken, or change the dressing to suit your taste. It’s fresh, colorful, and guaranteed to brighten your plate.
What You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup candied pecans (see below for how to make them)
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Candied Pecans:
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Toast your pecans first. It deepens the flavor and keeps them extra crunchy.
- Use ripe strawberries. Sweet, juicy berries make the biggest difference in flavor.
- Chill the greens. Cold lettuce gives that refreshing restaurant-style crispness.
- Don’t overdress. Lightly coat the salad so the ingredients shine.
- Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for protein.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small skillet (for pecans)
- Small jar or bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese: Use goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan instead of feta.
- Greens: Try arugula or kale for a heartier bite.
- Fruit: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples.
- Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios instead of pecans.
- Dressing: A poppy seed or raspberry vinaigrette also pairs beautifully.
Make Ahead Tips
The candied pecans and dressing can be made several days ahead. Store the pecans in an airtight container at room temperature and the dressing in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
If you’re prepping for a party, wash and dry your greens and slice the strawberries in advance—store them separately until it’s time to toss.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Candied Pecans
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve. Add pecans and a pinch of salt, stirring constantly for 3–4 minutes until coated and caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add the mixed greens. Top with sliced strawberries, red onions, feta cheese, and cooled candied pecans.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing lightly over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Add an extra sprinkle of feta and a few pecans for garnish if you’d like. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side with grilled steak, chicken, or salmon.
- Pair with garlic bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Top with grilled shrimp for a restaurant-worthy lunch.
- Serve at brunch alongside quiche or omelets for a refreshing contrast.
Leftovers and Storage
If the salad has already been dressed, it’s best eaten immediately. For make-ahead storage, keep the components separate—greens, strawberries, and onions in one container, pecans and cheese in another, and dressing in a jar. Combine and toss just before serving.
Stored separately, ingredients will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The dressing keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition and Benefits
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K from fresh greens and strawberries.
- Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil and pecans provide good fats for balanced nutrition.
- Antioxidant boost: Strawberries and leafy greens are rich in antioxidants.
- High in fiber: Keeps you feeling full and energized without heaviness.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free feta substitute.
2. How do I make the dressing thicker or sweeter?
Add a bit more honey for sweetness or reduce the vinegar for a thicker texture.
3. Can I use store-bought candied pecans?
Of course—store-bought works fine if you’re short on time, but homemade adds better flavor and crunch.
4. What kind of greens does LongHorn use?
They typically use a mix of romaine and spring greens, which gives the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
5. Can I add chicken or steak?
Yes, grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp turn this salad into a complete entrée.
6. How do I keep the pecans crunchy?
Let them cool completely after cooking and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate them.
7. Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes, just keep all the components separate and toss them together right before serving. It’s a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
Sweet, Fresh, and Perfectly Balanced
This LongHorn Strawberry Pecan Salad Recipe captures everything you love about the restaurant favorite—fresh greens, juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy cheese all tossed in a light, flavorful dressing. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for an everyday meal.
