A refreshing and vibrant salad combining the sweetness of strawberries with the zest of citrus, complemented by a spicy kick.
Combine the olive oil, honey, orange juice, and white wine vinegar in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the cayenne pepper to the dressing and whisk again to incorporate.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
Place the spinach, shallots, strawberries, and pecans in a salad bowl.
Ensure the spinach is dry to prevent the dressing from becoming diluted.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Add the dressing gradually to avoid over-dressing the salad.
Top the salad with smoked gouda cheese cubes and serve immediately.
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the cheese cubes evenly over the salad.
