Spinach Apple Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is quick to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and full of contrasting textures. Crisp apples, leafy spinach, and crunchy nuts create a satisfying bite, while the dressing ties everything together with a bright, refreshing flavor. It’s easy to customize and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or soups.

Ingredients

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

• Baby spinach
• Apples, thinly sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Dried cranberries
• Walnuts or pecans, chopped
• Feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Dressing

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach.
2. Slice the apples into thin wedges and toss them with a little lemon juice if desired to prevent browning.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, apples, red onion, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and cheese if using.
4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
6. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or salmon.
• Extra fruit: Include pears, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds.
• Cheese swap: Use blue cheese, Parmesan, or mozzarella pearls.
• Crunchy topping: Add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or candied pecans.
• Creamy dressing: Substitute a poppy seed or yogurt-based dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the apples fresh.

FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith apples all work well depending on whether you prefer sweet or tart flavors.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but store the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?

Yes, but chop larger spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

What nuts work best?

Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or candied nuts all complement the flavors nicely.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, salmon, or tofu all make excellent additions.

Can I use bottled dressing?

Yes, a balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing works well if you’re short on time.

What dishes pair well with Spinach Apple Salad?

It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork, grilled steak, soups, sandwiches, or holiday meals.

Conclusion

Spinach Apple Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that combines fresh greens, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful homemade dressing. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a refreshing addition to weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or healthy lunches throughout the year.

Spinach Apple Salad

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Spinach Apple Salad is a fresh, crisp, and colorful salad featuring tender baby spinach, sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish or light meal that’s perfect for everyday lunches or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Baby spinach
• Apples, thinly sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Dried cranberries
• Walnuts or pecans, chopped
• Feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach.
2. Slice the apples into thin wedges and toss with a little lemon juice if desired to prevent browning.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, apples, red onion, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, and crumbled cheese if using.
4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
6. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith apples all work well.
• Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until serving.
• Add grilled chicken, turkey, salmon, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Customize with pears, strawberries, pomegranate seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
• Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg