This simple spinach salad recipe is a recent, scrumptious facet dish! It is full of apples, dried cranberries, and pecans. A tangy dressing ties all of it collectively.
This spinach salad recipe is easy, recent, and scrumptious. A model of my mother’s favourite salad, it’s full of crisp apples, dried cranberries, crimson onion, creamy goat cheese, and toasty candied pecans. A vibrant apple cider French dressing ties all of it collectively. *Chef’s kiss*
This fall, I’ve been making it on repeat. To be completely trustworthy, that’s a bit out of character for me, as a result of I’m not at all times a fan of spinach salad recipes (one thing concerning the texture of the greens, I feel).
So you must belief me once I say that THIS spinach salad actually works. It’s candy, tangy, and savory, and it contains a mouthwatering mix of tender, crisp, and chewy elements. In my e book, it’s the proper simple facet dish or mild lunch. I feel you’re going to find it irresistible!
Spinach Salad Elements
Right here’s what you’ll have to make this simple spinach salad recipe:
- Recent spinach, after all! I really like tender child spinach right here, however mature spinach will work too. Tear the leaves if they’re massive.
- Apple – It provides refreshing crunch. Use a candy, crisp selection like Gala or Honeycrisp.
- Purple onion – For savory taste. Thinly slice it in order that it doesn’t overpower the opposite elements.
- Candied pecans – These candy, spiced nuts are simple to make on the range, however if you happen to’d prefer to streamline the recipe, you should use common toasted pecans as a substitute.
- Goat cheese – For creamy texture and tangy taste. Shaved pecorino is nice right here too.
- Dried cranberries – They add chewy texture and sweet-tart taste.
- And salt and pepper – To make all of the flavors pop!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements under.
Spinach Salad Dressing
This spinach salad recipe has one final element: the dressing!
I make an apple cider French dressing with
- apple cider vinegar,
- honey or maple syrup,
- garlic,
- Dijon mustard,
- extra-virgin olive oil,
- and salt and pepper.
Its tangy taste is a beautiful complement to the candy apples and candied pecans.
To make it, simply add the dressing elements to a jar, safe the lid, and shake to mix. Really easy!
- Tip: This dressing retains effectively for as much as 5 days in an hermetic container within the fridge. Make it forward in order that the salad is extra-quick to assemble!
Potential Recipe Variations
This spinach salad recipe is versatile! Although I find it irresistible as written, there are all kinds of how to alter it up. Be happy to make it your personal. Listed here are a couple of concepts to get you began:
- Swap the dressing. Attempt my balsamic dressing or lemon French dressing.
- Change up the nuts. Substitute the pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts.
- Attempt one other cheese. Feta cheese or shaved Parmesan can be scrumptious!
- Use totally different fruits. Toss in sliced pears or orange segments as a substitute of the apples, or use pomegranate arils as a substitute of the cranberries.
- Make it a essential dish. Add an entire grain like farro or wild rice or a protein like roasted chickpeas.
- Make a strawberry spinach salad by changing the apples with sliced strawberries. Omit the dried cranberries, and gown the salad with balsamic dressing or lemon French dressing.
Let me know what variations you strive!
What to Serve with Spinach Salad
This spinach salad is a flexible facet dish. It’s particular sufficient to serve at Thanksgiving or any vacation meal, however it’s easy sufficient to organize on common weeknights too. Pair it with a merely cooked protein or any of those recipes:
I additionally like to make this salad for lunch. It’s on the lighter facet, so I typically toss in some cooked farro or roasted chickpeas to make it heartier.
I hope you take pleasure in!
Extra Favourite Salad Recipes
When you love this spinach salad, strive considered one of these recent salad recipes subsequent:
Spinach Salad
Serves 4 to six
Forestall your display from going darkish
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In a big bowl, place the spinach, apple, and onion. Add a few of the dressing and toss to mix.
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Add the pecans, goat cheese, and cranberries and gently toss. Add extra dressing, as desired. Season to style and serve.
