Spinach Apple Salad

You’re about to commence creating a Spinach Apple Salad that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.

Imagine crisp apple slices mingling with the earthiness of fresh spinach, complemented by the crunch of walnuts and the tang of feta cheese.

The secret lies in a homemade dressing, a simple blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

Intrigued by the possibilities of this dish? Let’s explore the steps to perfect this culinary delight.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large salad bowl
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 salad spinner
• 1 whisk
• 1 small mixing bowl

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Spinach Apple Salad, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Washing and Drying Spinach (5 minutes):
   • Use the salad spinner to rinse and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves.
3. Cutting and Slicing (5 minutes):
   • Thinly slice the apples and red onion on the cutting board.
   • Chop the walnuts if not already done.
4. Combining Salad Ingredients (2 minutes):
   • Transfer the spinach to the large salad bowl and add the sliced apples, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion.
5. Preparing the Dressing (3 minutes):
   • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Assembling the Salad (2 minutes):
   • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine and coat evenly.

This timeline guarantees you efficiently manage your time, completing the salad in approximately 15 minutes of active preparation, with a couple of extra minutes included for flexibility.

Recipe Instructions

Rinse and dry the spinach leaves using the salad spinner.

Transfer the spinach to a large salad bowl.

Add the sliced apples, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion to the bowl.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.

Toss everything gently to combine and evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Serving Tips

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Adds a protein boost and makes the salad more filling.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the tangy dressing and adding a crunchy texture.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Offers a sweet, earthy contrast to the fresh salad ingredients.
• Quinoa: Provides extra fiber and turns the salad into a complete meal.
• Cheese Platter: Complements the feta in the salad with a variety of textures and flavors.

Storage

To store Spinach Apple Salad, keep the dressing separate and refrigerate the salad in an airtight container.

Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.

Freezing

Freezing Spinach Apple Salad isn’t recommended.

Freezing affects the texture of fresh spinach, apples, and feta cheese.

For best freshness, enjoy this salad immediately after preparation.

Reheating

Since Spinach Apple Salad is best served fresh, reheating isn’t recommended.

To maintain freshness, store ingredients separately.

Mix with dressing just before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Spinach Apple Salad is a delightful fusion of fresh, crisp ingredients and a tangy, sweet dressing.

It offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for a light meal or a side dish.

With minimal preparation time and no cooking required, it’s an ideal option for those seeking a quick and nutritious dish.

Remember to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients to guarantee the best taste.

For added convenience, prepare the salad components in advance, but mix them with the dressing just before serving to maintain their vibrant crispness.

Enjoy the revitalizing and satisfying Spinach Apple Salad as a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Another Cheese for Feta in the Salad?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamy texture, or use blue cheese for a bolder flavor. Parmesan shavings add a salty touch, while ricotta salata provides firmness. Experiment to suit your taste preferences.

What Are Some Alternative Nuts to Walnuts?

You can replace walnuts with pecans for a buttery flavor, almonds for a crunchy texture, or cashews for a creamy taste. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor, ensuring your salad retains a delightful nutty profile.

How Do I Prevent Apples From Browning Too Quickly?

To prevent apples from browning, immerse them in a solution of water and lemon juice. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of water. This acid bath slows oxidation, keeping your apples fresh and vibrant.

Can I Add Protein to Make This a Complete Meal?

You can enhance the salad by incorporating grilled chicken, seared tofu, or roasted chickpeas. These protein additions transform it into a complete meal, providing balance and sustenance, while complementing the salad’s flavors and textures beautifully.

What Is a Good Wine Pairing With This Salad?

Choose a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Pinot Grigio. They complement the salad’s flavors, enhancing the apple’s sweetness and feta’s creaminess. Make certain it’s well-chilled to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy!

Spinach Apple Salad

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large salad bowl
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 salad spinner
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Small mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 medium apples thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Rinse and dry the spinach leaves using the salad spinner.
• Transfer the spinach to a large salad bowl.
• Add the sliced apples, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion to the bowl.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
• Toss everything gently to combine and evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
• Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Notes

For the best results, choose crisp and sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, as they offer a nice contrast to the tangy dressing and creamy feta. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. Toasting the walnuts beforehand can also enhance their flavor, adding a deeper, nutty element to the salad.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.