Description
A delightful and refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy taste of spinach, topped with a zesty honey-mustard lemon dressing. This Apple Spinach Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a light and satisfying meal on its own or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted if desired)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced apples, feta cheese, red onion, nuts, and dried cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest texture.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Pears can be used instead of apples for a seasonal variation.
- Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
