Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful salad that’s both quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this Apple Spinach Salad! Packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients like baby spinach, crunchy pecans, and sweet apples, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it a complete meal with added protein, this recipe is sure to impress.
This Apple Spinach Salad is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The homemade maple-lime mustard dressing adds a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, while goat cheese and dried cranberries bring creaminess and a pop of color. Whether you’re having a family dinner, preparing a picnic, or serving guests at a holiday gathering, this salad will always be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Spinach Salad
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead for picnics or gatherings.
Healthy & Nutritious: A low-calorie salad packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Customizable: Add protein like chicken or tofu to make it a full meal.
Versatile: Serve as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients for Apple Spinach Salad
This simple salad features fresh ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salad Ingredients:
6 oz baby spinach – The base of our healthy spinach salad. You can substitute with arugula, mixed greens, or garden greens.
1 cup toasted pecans – Add crunch and flavor to your salad. You can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
½ cup dried cranberries – Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the apples. You can substitute with dried figs, cherries, or blueberries.
1 small green apple (Granny Smith) – Adds a crisp, tart bite.
1 small red apple (Fuji or Gala) – A sweet apple to complement the green apple.
⅓ cup goat cheese (crumbled) – Creamy and tangy cheese to enhance the salad’s texture.
Dressing Ingredients:
3 tbsp maple syrup – For natural sweetness. You can substitute with honey if you prefer.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – For richness and texture.
Juice of 1 lime – For a zesty kick. Fresh lime juice is best.
How to Make Apple Spinach Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes, checking every few minutes to avoid burning. Once they’re golden brown and fragrant, remove them and let them cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While the pecans are toasting, wash and dry the baby spinach. Slice the apples into thin wedges or cubes, leaving the skins on for extra texture and color. If you prefer a milder sweetness, you can peel the apples. Measure out the dried cranberries and crumble the goat cheese into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and lime juice. Shake the jar or whisk the ingredients until the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more lime juice or maple syrup for a tangier or sweeter flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the spinach in individual bowls. Add the apples, cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese on top. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad. Alternatively, you can combine everything in a large salad bowl and toss it together. Drizzle the homemade maple-lime mustard dressing just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Apple Spinach Salad
Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pecans in the oven adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your salad. If you’re using raw nuts, make sure to toast them lightly for about 10 minutes at 350°F.
Freshness is Key: To ensure the best texture, don’t add the dressing, nuts, or cheese until just before serving. This helps the spinach stay crisp and the nuts crunchy.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the dressing and toast the pecans up to 3 days in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for easy assembly. However, it’s best to assemble the salad on the day you plan to serve it.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of maple syrup in the dressing. You can also swap it with honey or agave syrup.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Spinach Salad
This Apple Spinach Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
As a Side Dish: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or pasta for a balanced meal.
For Meal Prep: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu to this salad to make it a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Picnics & Potlucks: The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors of this salad make it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
With a Protein: Add your choice of protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to turn this salad into a hearty main course.
Nutritional Information for Apple Spinach Salad
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of this healthy, flavorful Apple Spinach Salad:
Calories: 357 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g (Healthy fats from olive oil and pecans)
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 18g (Natural sugars from apples and cranberries)
This salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provides a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats.
Storage & Leftovers
If you have leftovers, follow these storage tips to keep your Apple Spinach Salad fresh:
Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the spinach and apples lose their texture when thawed.
Reheat: If you’ve added protein, you can reheat the salad in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Apple Spinach Salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the spinach and apples. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.
Q: Can I use different nuts in Apple Spinach Salad?
A: Yes! You can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Toasting them will enhance the flavor.
Q: Can I make this Apple Spinach Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dressing and toast the pecans up to 3 days in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the salad on the day you plan to serve it to maintain freshness.
Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese?
A: You can substitute goat cheese with feta, gorgonzola, or even parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Related Recipes
If you love this Apple Spinach Salad, here are some other delicious salads to try:
Conclusion
Now you know how to make the best Apple Spinach Salad at home! This simple yet flavorful salad is perfect for any meal, whether as a side dish or a complete meal with added protein. Packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients and topped with a delicious homemade maple-lime mustard dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit every time you serve it. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family!
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