🥗 Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple
📝 Description
Crisp, sweet, and slightly tangy, this spinach salad balances fresh greens with juicy apples, chewy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s light yet satisfying—perfect as a quick lunch, elegant side, or holiday-style salad.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
🥗 Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works best)
- 1 apple (crisp variety like Fuji or Gala), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
🍯 Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. - Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine spinach, apple slices, cranberries, walnuts, and red onion. - Toss
Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. - Finish
Sprinkle with feta or goat cheese (if using). - Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a complete meal
- Pair with soup or toasted bread
- Serve alongside roasted meats or holiday dishes
❓ Q & A
Q: How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss slices in a little lemon juice before adding.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Yes—skip cheese or use a plant-based option and maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: What nuts can I substitute?
Pecans or almonds work beautifully.
Q: Can I prep ahead?
Prep ingredients in advance but add dressing just before serving.
Q: How do I toast walnuts?
Heat in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
