Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Apple Feta Spinach Salad featuring crisp apples, tangy feta, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade maple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
- 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
- Prepare the onion: Optionally soak the thinly sliced red onion in an ice water bath for 10 minutes to mellow its sharp flavor. After soaking, squeeze dry using paper towels.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced apples, drained red onion, toasted pecan halves, feta crumbles, and dried cranberries.
- Make the dressing: In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until fully emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
Notes
- Soaking red onion in ice water is optional but helps reduce pungency.
- To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- This salad is best served fresh but dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Substitute apples with pears for a different fruity flavor twist.
Keywords: apple salad, feta salad, spinach salad, healthy salad, fall salad, pecans, dried cranberries, maple vinaigrette
Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/apple-feta-spinach-salad-recipe/
