Dessert

Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe

BySana Jeannette December 20, 2025December 20, 2025

Introduction

Bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Apple Feta Spinach Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Crisp apples and crunchy pecans complement the creamy feta and tender spinach for a satisfying and colorful salad. It’s ideal as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad, starting with a base of bright green spinach leaves layered evenly. On top, there are thin slices of red and pale yellow apples scattered around, mixed with whole pecan nuts and small bits of crumbled white cheese. Two rectangular, lightly toasted crackers stand upright on one side of the bowl, adding a crispy texture. A silver fork is lifting a bite-sized mix of spinach, pecans, apple slices, and cheese. The bowl sits on a folded white cloth, and two red apples are placed nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 ounces fresh spinach or spring greens mix
2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced

¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
½ cup pecan halves, toasted

⅔ cup feta crumbles
½ cup dried cranberries

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
A generous pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Optional: Soak the thinly sliced red onion in an ice water bath for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels. This will mellow the onion’s sharpness.
Step 2: In a large serving bowl, combine the spinach, sliced apples, red onion, toasted pecans, feta crumbles, and dried cranberries.
Step 3: In a mason jar or small container with a tight-fitting lid, add the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Close the lid and shake well to fully combine the dressing.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.
Swap out the apples for pears or add sliced avocado for creaminess.

Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweet note in the dressing.
Add grilled chicken or quinoa to make this salad more filling.

Storage

Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled as well. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.