Apple Spinach Salad with Cranberries and Feta will make your taste buds happy dance! The combination of crispy spinach leaves, juicy apples, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta cheese make it so satisfying. Drizzle the top with a Honey Dijon Dressing that tie all these flavors together so well.
I am thrilled to share one of our personal favorite salads! The crispness of the fresh spinach or spring mix perfectly compliment the sweetness and tartness of the juicy apples, creating a refreshing and satisfying base. Add in dried cranberries to bring the tang, feta cheese for some creaminess. The blend of flavors in this salad is further enhanced by a simple honey dijon salad dressing. This salad can be eaten at any time of the day and would be perfect to share with everyone!
Try some of our other favorite side dishes, such as Simple Italian Pasta Salad, Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad, Creamy Easy Broccoli Salad, or Easy Macaroni Salad.
If you try the recipe, please leave us a comment or rating below!
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Ingredients for Apple Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
- spinach leaves or spring mix
- feta cheese
- crisp apple
- chopped walnuts
- dried cranberries
- extra virgin olive oil
- red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- dijon mustard
- honey
- salt
- black pepper
FAQs
Apple Salad with Cranberries and Feta is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, and tangy feta cheese. It often includes mixed greens and a light dressing, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course.
Use crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their texture well and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cranberries and tangy feta.
Of course! Sliced avocado, pomegranate seeds, cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition, shredded carrots or beets, or grilled chicken for added protein.
This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as: grilled or roasted chicken, baked salmon, pork tenderloin, or vegetarian dishes like stuffed bell peppers or a vegetable tart.
Top Tips
- When it comes to spinach, the fresher, the better. Look for vibrant green leaves that are firm and not wilted. Baby spinach is a great choice for its delicate texture.
- One of the great things about salads is their versatility. Don't be afraid to get creative and substitute ingredients to suit your taste. Instead of spinach, you can use arugula or mixed greens. If you're not a fan of feta cheese, try goat cheese or even blue cheese for a stronger flavor. And if you don't have cranberries on hand, dried cherries or raisins can work just as well.
- If you're following a specific diet, fear not! This salad can easily be adapted to meet your dietary preferences. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. If you're watching your sugar intake, opt for a vinaigrette with no added sugar or use a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil instead. The possibilities are endless!
- Want to make the Apple Spinach Salad more substantial and protein-rich? Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas.
- If you plan to prepare the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
How to make Easy Spinach Apple Salad with Honey Dijon Salad Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
- In a large bowl, combine fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced apples, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately to maintain the crispness. Enjoy!
Apple Spinach Salad with Cranberry and Feta Recipe
Ingredients
Spinach Salad
- 6-8 cups fresh spinach or spring salad mix
- 1 apple, cored and sliced thinly
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Honey Dijon Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Honey Dijon Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
Spinach Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced apples, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately to maintain the crispness. Enjoy!
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