Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Apple Feta Spinach Salad combining crisp apples, salty feta, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy maple apple cider vinaigrette. This light, nutritious salad is perfect as a side dish or a healthy lunch option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Generous pinch of salt
- Generous pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Soften Onion: Optional step: Soak the thinly sliced red onion in an ice water bath for 10 minutes, then squeeze dry using paper towels to mellow the sharp flavor.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, place the fresh spinach or spring greens, thinly sliced apples, prepared red onions, toasted pecan halves, feta crumbles, and dried cranberries.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything gently to ensure even coating of the dressing throughout the salad.
Notes
- Soaking red onion in ice water reduces its pungency and makes it milder and more pleasant in the salad.
- To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil for a richer flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; add dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Keywords: apple salad, feta cheese salad, spinach salad, healthy salad, fresh salad, pecan salad, cranberry salad, fall salad
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/apple-feta-spinach-salad-recipe/
