Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

To make a simple Apple Spinach Salad, gather these ingredients: 5-6 ounces of fresh baby spinach, 1-2 small cored and sliced apples, 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), and 1/3 cup dried cranberries or cherries. For the dressing, mix extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Toss all the ingredients together and enjoy this nutritious dish. This salad is versatile, so feel free to customize it with different fruits, nuts, or proteins. Learn more ways to enhance your salad experience.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

When you try this Apple Spinach Salad, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite among health-conscious eaters. The salad is packed with healthy ingredients that provide numerous benefits.

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, while apples offer vitamin C and potassium. Both are high in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, they’re low in calories, making this salad great for weight management. Additionally, the salad is nutrient-dense thanks to its combination of apples and spinach, which supports overall health.

Preparation is quick and simple, taking only 10 minutes. You’ll only need a few ingredients, and there’s no special equipment required.

This salad is also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, or proteins to suit different diets and tastes.

Recipe

Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

This vibrant Apple Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that come together to create a crunchy, sweet, and tangy dish. The combination of baby spinach, crisp apples, and a medley of nuts offers a refreshing taste that’s perfect as a side or a light meal. Spinach is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making this salad not only delicious but also nutritious.

With the added touch of dried cranberries, this salad not only looks appealing but also packs a flavorful punch. To elevate the salad, a homemade vinaigrette dressing is drizzled over the top, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, adds just the right amount of tanginess. This salad is versatile and can be customized with various nuts, cheeses, or proteins to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 5-6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1-2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or others)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced apples, thinly sliced red onion, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries. Toss these ingredients together gently to ensure even distribution.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. This will create a delicious vinaigrette dressing.
3. Drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the salad mixture, and toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
4. If desired, garnish the salad with additional cheese, such as crumbled goat cheese or feta, for extra flavor. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

For the best results, consider using a variety of apples for added texture and flavor—such as a mix of sweet and tart varieties. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to customize the salad to your liking.

If you’re looking to turn this salad into a more filling meal, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can also enhance its nutritional value.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a nutritious meal, this Apple Spinach Salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

With just 8 minutes of prep time, you can create a healthy dish that packs a punch. Each serving provides essential nutrients, like 42% of your daily vitamin A and 329% of vitamin K, along with 24% of your daily potassium.

You can customize it with nuts, seeds, or different cheeses to suit your taste. Serve it as a side or main course, and pair it with chicken or salmon for a complete meal.

Enjoy it fresh to keep the apples crisp, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This salad is both delicious and versatile!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Spinach With Another Leafy Green?

Yes, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale, arugula, or butter lettuce. Each offers unique flavors and nutritional benefits, so choose one that complements your dish and suits your taste preferences.

How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?

Your salad lasts up to 48 hours in the fridge without dressing and nuts. If dressed, it’s best consumed within 2-3 days. Always store in airtight containers for optimal freshness and quality.

What Proteins Pair Well With This Salad?

To enhance your meal, consider grilled chicken, seared salmon, or sliced steak. You might also enjoy tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each protein adds flavor and makes your dish more satisfying.

Is This Salad Suitable for Meal Prep?

This salad isn’t ideal for meal prep since it’s best assembled just before serving. You can prep ingredients in advance, but combining them too early leads to sogginess and loss of freshness.

Can I Make This Salad Vegan-Friendly?

Yes, you can definitely make this salad vegan-friendly! Just substitute any animal products with plant-based alternatives, like using vegan cheese, sweeteners, and ensuring all add-ins are free from animal-derived ingredients. Enjoy your delicious creation!