Apple Walnut Spinach Salad is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a fresh, crisp meal. This salad combines tender spinach leaves, crunchy walnuts, sweet apples, and a tangy homemade dressing to make a quick and family-friendly dish. Whether you need a light lunch or a flavorful side, this salad hits the spot every time.
Why You'll Love Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad)
Discover the fresh and easy Apple Walnut Spinach Salad recipe. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish packed with flavor and crunch.
Ingredients for Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad)
📋 Full measurements for Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad) are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad)
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Toast the walnuts: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add walnuts. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and toasted. Set aside to cool.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add fresh baby spinach, sliced apples, red onions, dried cranberries, and cooled toasted walnuts.
Expert Tips for Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad)
- Toast walnuts for a deeper flavor and crunch.
- Use a sharp knife to slice apples thinly for uniform texture.
- Prepare the dressing in advance to let flavors meld.
- Add ingredients just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced celery or cucumber.
Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad)
Discover the fresh and easy Apple Walnut Spinach Salad recipe. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish packed with flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- 1 large crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
How to Make Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- Toast the walnuts: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add walnuts. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and toasted. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add fresh baby spinach, sliced apples, red onions, dried cranberries, and cooled toasted walnuts.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad if using.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended — texture changes on thawing.
- Reheat: Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe (Fresh & Easy Salad) FAQs
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Before You Go
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