Spinach Salad Recipe

This vibrant Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of crisp, fresh greens and a medley of textures that will awaken your taste buds. With tender baby spinach as the star, it’s paired with crunchy toppings and a zesty dressing that adds a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days. The combination of earthy spinach, tangy accents, and a hint of sweetness creates a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, offering a boost of vitamins and a touch of indulgence.

What makes this salad truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. In just 15 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking, you can create a meal that feels gourmet yet approachable. The interplay of soft spinach leaves, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing ensures every forkful is a sensory delight. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main course, this salad is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It’s a recipe that proves healthy eating can be quick, effortless, and utterly enjoyable. Dive in and savor the freshness!

Fresh & Flavorful Spinach Salad Ingredients

• 5 ounces fresh spinach (washed and dried)
• 1 Gala or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced (or substitute with your favorite variety)
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 heaping cup Candied Pecans (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese (or substitute with ¼ cup shaved pecorino cheese)
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing (as needed, to taste)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Simple Steps to Assemble Your Spinach Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple slices, and red onion.
2. Add a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
3. Add the candied pecans, goat cheese, and dried cranberries to the bowl. Gently toss to distribute them throughout the salad.
4. Add more dressing as desired, ensuring the salad is lightly coated but not soggy.
5. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant and delicious spinach salad!

Elevate Your Salad with Sauce and Topping Ideas

While the Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing is a classic choice, consider swapping it for a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile. For toppings, try adding roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch or grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or blue cheese for a unique twist!

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled salmon or a simple quiche. It’s also a great addition to brunch spreads or as a refreshing side at summer barbecues.

Quick Tips for Time-Saving Success

To save time, pre-slice your apple and onion the night before and store them in an airtight container. You can also pre-make the dressing and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re short on time, skip candying the pecans and use store-bought candied nuts instead.

Storage and Freshness Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the spinach from wilting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple slices to keep them from browning.

Recipe Variations to Try

For a nut-free version, swap the pecans for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try shaved Parmesan or even a dairy-free alternative like almond cheese. You can also use fresh pears instead of apples for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Spinach Salad

Amy

This vibrant Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of crisp, fresh greens and a medley of textures that will awaken your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main course, this salad is a celebration of simplicity and flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

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• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 Gala or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

• 1 heaping cup Candied Pecans
• 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese or ¼ cup shaved pecorino cheese
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, place the spinach, apple, and onion. Add some of the dressing and toss to combine.
• Add the pecans, goat cheese, and cranberries and gently toss. Add more dressing, as desired. Season to taste and serve.

Keyword dressing, greens, healthy, salad, spinach

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