Apple Spinach Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Spinach Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Crisp apple slices pair beautifully with fresh spinach, nuts, and cheese, all tied together with a light vinaigrette. Ideal as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh baby spinachapples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly slicedsliced red onionscrumbled feta or goat cheesetoasted pecans or walnutsdried cranberriesolive oilapple cider vinegarDijon mustardhoney salt and black pepper

directions

In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced apples, red onion slices, dried cranberries, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.

Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesTotal time: 10 minutes

Variations

Swap apples for pears for a softer texture.

Use blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.

Include avocado slices for creaminess.

Use balsamic vinaigrette instead of apple cider dressing.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep the dressing separate and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Toss just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep all ingredients in advance but store separately. Assemble and dress just before serving.

What apples are best for this salad?

Crisp and slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.

Can I use another green besides spinach?

Yes, arugula, mixed greens, or kale are great alternatives.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use bottled dressing?

You can, but homemade vinaigrette adds a fresher, more personalized touch.

Conclusion

Apple Spinach Salad is a crisp, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a healthy lunch option, this salad delivers on taste and presentation. With so many possible variations, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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