Looking for an easy yet delicious salad recipe? This Apple Feta Spinach Salad is a perfect choice! It’s a delightful blend of crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors, all brought together with a homemade maple vinaigrette. Whether you’re using up the last apples of the season or just craving a fresh, vibrant salad, this recipe idea is sure to be a crowd favorite. I promise there won’t be any leftovers!
Spinach salads are a classic go-to side dish that adds balance and nutrition to any meal. This Apple Feta Spinach Salad is loaded with fresh ingredients like crisp apples, toasted pecans, and tangy feta, all topped with a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette. It’s a quick and easy way to make a delicious salad that everyone will love.
What You Need for Apple Feta Spinach Salad
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (or a 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 crumbled feta
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the Apple Cider Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- To mellow out the flavor of the red onion, soak the slices in an ice water bath for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the spinach, thinly sliced apples, red onion, toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries.
- In a mason jar, add the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar and shake well to combine.
- Pour the homemade maple dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips for Making Apple Feta Spinach Salad Ahead of Time
Preparing this salad in advance is easy and convenient. Here are a few tips to ensure the best results:
- Soak the red onions: Soaking the red onions in ice water before using them helps to reduce their sharpness, so they won’t overpower the salad.
- Make the dressing ahead: You can prepare the maple vinaigrette up to 8 hours in advance. The dressing will keep the apples from browning and help them stay crisp until you’re ready to serve.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural flavors and ensures they stay crisp when added to the salad. Don’t skip this step!
- Assemble strategically: If you plan to serve the salad later in the day, assemble the ingredients in layers. Place the onions at the bottom of the bowl, followed by the spinach. Arrange the pecans, feta, and cranberries on top. This keeps the ingredients separate until it’s time to toss the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Feta Spinach Salad is the perfect recipe idea when you’re craving something fresh, light, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet apples, tangy feta, and the richness of toasted pecans makes each bite a satisfying experience. Plus, the homemade maple vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a light main course, this salad is sure to impress!
Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing salad any time of year!