Spinach Apple Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Introduction
This Spinach Apple Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a side. The combination of crisp apples, tangy feta, and sweet dried cranberries makes every bite delightful. Plus, the honey balsamic dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 small red onion (sliced)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 large apple (chopped – Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work well)
- Honey balsamic vinaigrette (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. While the spinach dries, thinly slice half of the red onion. Cutting the onion in half first helps create manageable slices. Chop the apple into thin slices or 1/2 inch chunks, according to your preference.
- Step 2: Place the dried spinach into a large bowl along with the dried cranberries, feta cheese, sliced red onion, walnuts, and chopped apple. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Add honey balsamic vinaigrette to taste and toss the salad again to coat everything evenly. Alternatively, keep the dressing on the side and allow each person to add their own. Serve immediately or refrigerate any leftovers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture and different flavor profile.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. If you’ve already tossed the salad with dressing, enjoy it within a day for optimal freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides spinach?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with mixed greens, arugula, or baby kale depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that stronger greens may alter the flavor balance.
How do I make honey balsamic vinaigrette at home?
Whisk together 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar as desired.
PrintSpinach Apple Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Spinach Apple Salad featuring crisp apples, tangy dried cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and sweet red onions, all tossed in a delightful honey balsamic vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 Cups Fresh Spinach (Washed and Dried)
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 2/3 Cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 Small Red Onion (Thinly Sliced)
- 1/2 Cup Walnuts
- 1 Large Apple (Chopped – Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady)
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette (To taste, prepared or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit: Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt, and pat them dry gently using paper towels to prevent sogginess in the salad. Thinly slice half of a small red onion by first halving it to ensure manageable slice sizes. Chop the large apple into your preferred shape, either thin slices or 1/2 inch chunks, ensuring even pieces for balanced bite sizes.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Place the washed and dried spinach into a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced red onion, chopped apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss all the ingredients gently together to distribute them evenly throughout the salad.
- Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of honey balsamic vinaigrette over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat the salad evenly with the dressing. Alternatively, keep the dressing separate to allow guests to add their preferred amount. Serve the salad immediately for freshest taste or refrigerate any leftovers promptly to maintain crispness.
Notes
- Choose apples that are crisp and slightly tart like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady for the best flavor contrast.
- Patting spinach dry is crucial to prevent salad from becoming watery.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- If you prefer, prepare the honey balsamic vinaigrette from scratch using honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- This salad is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Spinach Salad, Apple Salad, Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, Healthy Salad, Vegetarian Salad, Walnut Salad
