Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and layered with textures and flavors. The sweetness of apples, the saltiness of feta, and the crunch of toasted pecans and cranberries create a deliciously satisfying salad. The homemade maple vinaigrette adds the perfect zesty finish, making it both healthy and indulgent. It’s quick to prepare and sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces fresh spinach or spring greens mix
- 2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced
- ¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
- ⅔ cup feta crumbles
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the Maple Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Soak the Red Onion (Optional): Soak the thinly sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels to mellow the flavor.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced apples, red onion, toasted pecans, feta, and dried cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, add vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk to combine.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free feta to make this salad vegan.
- Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Fruit Swap: Try using pears or citrus fruits in place of apples for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients up to 8 hours ahead. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
2. How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. The vinegar in the dressing also helps keep them fresh.
3. Can I use other types of greens?
Yes, you can swap spinach with arugula, mixed greens, or kale for a different base.
4. How do I toast pecans?
To toast pecans, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
5. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use a store-bought maple vinaigrette or any other preferred dressing, but the homemade version really enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
This Apple Feta Spinach Salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines crisp apples, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s perfect as a side or light main dish for any occasion. Whether served at a holiday meal, a casual lunch, or a family gathering, it’s a salad that will leave everyone wanting more!
Print
Apple Feta Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Feta Spinach Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp apples, creamy feta, crunchy toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy homemade maple vinaigrette. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors, making it an ideal side dish or light main course for any meal. Easy to prepare and full of fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 5 ounces fresh spinach or spring greens mix
- 2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced
- ¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
- ⅔ cup feta crumbles
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- For the Maple Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Red Onion (Optional): Soak the thinly sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels to mellow the flavor.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced apples, red onion, toasted pecans, feta, and dried cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, add vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk to combine.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free feta to make this salad vegan.
- Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Fruit Swap: Use pears or citrus fruits for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
