This straightforward spinach salad recipe is a contemporary, scrumptious aspect dish! It is full of apples, dried cranberries, and pecans. A tangy dressing ties all of it collectively.
This spinach salad recipe is straightforward, contemporary, and scrumptious. A model of my mother’s favourite salad, it’s full of crisp apples, dried cranberries, purple 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 all the time a fan of spinach salad recipes (one thing in regards to the texture of the greens, I believe).
So you need to 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 guide, it’s the right straightforward aspect dish or gentle lunch. I believe you’re going to like it!
Spinach Salad Elements
Right here’s what you’ll have to make this straightforward spinach salad recipe:
- Contemporary 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.
- Crimson onion – For savory taste. Thinly slice it in order that it doesn’t overpower the opposite components.
- Candied pecans – These candy, spiced nuts are straightforward to make on the range, however in case you’d wish 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 entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Spinach Salad Dressing
This spinach salad recipe has one final part: 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 components to a jar, safe the lid, and shake to mix. Really easy!
- Tip: This dressing retains properly 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!
Doable Recipe Variations
This spinach salad recipe is versatile! Although I like it as written, there are all types of how to vary it up. Be at liberty to make it your personal. Listed here are a number of concepts to get you began:
- Swap the dressing. Attempt my balsamic dressing or lemon French dressing.
- Change up the nuts. Exchange 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 most important 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 costume 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 aspect dish. It’s particular sufficient to serve at Thanksgiving or any vacation meal, nevertheless 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 aspect, so I usually toss in some cooked farro or roasted chickpeas to make it heartier.
I hope you take pleasure in!
Extra Favourite Salad Recipes
In case you love this spinach salad, strive one among these contemporary salad recipes subsequent:
Spinach Salad
Serves 4 to six
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In a big bowl, place the spinach, apple, and onion. Add among 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.
