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- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed - 1 large sweet apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Baby spinach serves as the base of the salad. Its crisp texture and mild flavor balance well with the other ingredients. Sweet apples add a juicy crunch. I love using Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness. Fuji apples also work great if you want something a bit different. The red onion gives a sharp bite that contrasts with the sweet apples. - 1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled for easy incorporation Toasted pecans add a warm nutty flavor. When you toast them, they become crunchy and fragrant. Feta cheese brings a creamy element to the salad. Its salty flavor complements the sweet apples and adds depth. - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for a rich flavor - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for a tangy kick - 1 tablespoon honey, or more to taste, for sweetness - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste The dressing is simple yet bright. Extra-virgin olive oil gives a rich base. Apple cider vinegar adds a zesty punch, while honey sweetens it just right. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. This dressing brings everything together beautifully, making each bite a delight. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To start, we need to toast the pecans. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the pecans. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently until they turn golden-brown and smell nutty. This step adds a rich flavor. After toasting, transfer the pecans to a plate to cool. Next, wash and slice the apple. I recommend using a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. These apples add a nice crunch and sweetness. Core the apple, then slice it thinly. This helps it blend well with the spinach. Now, let’s mix the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This dressing gives the salad a bright and tangy taste. In a large salad bowl, add the freshly washed baby spinach. This will be the base of your salad. Layer the sliced apple, toasted pecans, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese on top. This colorful mix makes the salad look great. Next, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Be sure to cover all the ingredients. Gently toss everything together. This helps the spinach and other ingredients get coated without bruising the leaves. Taste the salad to see if it needs any adjustments. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or honey to fit your taste. This step ensures that every bite is delicious. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. A few extra pecans and apple slices on top will look nice. A sprinkle of feta cheese will add the final touch. Enjoy this tasty and nutritious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Choosing the right apple is key for sweetness. I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They add a nice crunch and a sweet taste. You can also try Granny Smith if you prefer tartness. Pair your apples with crispy pecans and tangy feta cheese. These flavors blend well and make each bite enjoyable. Serve your salad in a large, bright bowl. This makes it look fresh and inviting. You can also use individual plates for a nice touch at dinner. Garnish with extra apple slices and pecans on top. A sprinkle of feta adds a pop of white that looks great against the greens. Remember, colorful salads are more appealing! One common mistake is over-toasting the nuts. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Toast them until they are golden brown and fragrant. Another mistake is wilting the spinach leaves. Toss the salad gently to keep the leaves crisp. If you bruise them, the salad will lose its fresh crunch. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_4}} You can easily swap ingredients in this salad. If you want a different nut flavor, try walnuts or almonds. These nuts add unique tastes and textures. For cheese, Gorgonzola or goat cheese works well. Both cheeses give a creamy touch that blends nicely with the dressing. Adjusting the salad for the season can enhance its flavor. In summer, add fresh raspberries for a sweet touch. In fall, pears are a great option. They bring sweetness and a soft texture. You can also try different greens. Arugula adds a spicy kick, while kale offers a hearty crunch. The dressing can change the salad's flavor profile. For a balsamic twist, use balsamic vinaigrette. It adds depth and sweetness. If you prefer creamy dressings, try a yogurt or ranch dressing. Both options give a rich flavor that pairs well with the salad's ingredients. For the full recipe, check out the steps to craft your own Apple Pecan Spinach Salad! To keep your Apple Pecan Spinach Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting and keeps flavors intact. If you have leftover salad, it usually lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. However, it’s best to eat it sooner for the best taste and texture. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Wash and slice the apple, toast the pecans, and chop the onion. Store each ingredient separately in the fridge. This way, you can assemble the salad just before serving. It keeps the spinach crisp and tasty. I don’t recommend freezing the salad. Freezing changes the texture of the spinach and apples. If you want to freeze some components, consider the pecans or cheese. Use freezer-safe containers to keep them fresh. Just remember to add them back when you are ready to enjoy the salad! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. You can pair this salad with many main dishes. It complements grilled chicken or fish nicely. You may also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. The fresh flavors of the salad balance well with rich dishes. Try adding a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also explore flavors from around the world. Asian-style grilled shrimp adds a fun twist. Mediterranean dishes like falafel or hummus work well too. This salad’s crispness pairs nicely with hearty, warm entrees. Yes, this salad is very healthy. It includes fresh spinach, apples, and nuts, which are packed with nutrients. Spinach is high in vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system. Apples add fiber, which helps with digestion. Pecans provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Each serving has about 200 calories, depending on your serving size and dressing. This makes it a great choice for light lunches or side dishes. You get loads of vitamins with each bite while keeping calories in check. Absolutely! Making this salad vegan is simple. You can swap feta cheese for non-dairy cheese. Look for a brand that melts well and has a tangy taste. For the dressing, use maple syrup instead of honey. Maple syrup gives sweetness without using animal products. Mix it in just like you would with honey. This way, you keep the salad fresh and tasty while enjoying a vegan option. This blog post showed how to make a tasty Apple Pecan Spinach Salad. You learned about the fresh ingredients, how to prepare them, and steps to mix the salad. I shared tips for flavor and presentation and noted common mistakes to avoid. You can also switch ingredients for fresh twists and consider storage options for leftovers. Enjoy creating your salad, and remember, small changes lead to big flavors!

Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

Elevate your salad game with this Crisp Apple Pecan Spinach Salad that's bursting with flavor and nutrition! Packed with fresh baby spinach, sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta, this quick recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Drizzled with a simple homemade dressing, it's perfect for any occasion. Click through to discover how to make this delicious salad that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed

1 large sweet apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced

1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup dried cranberries, preferably unsweetened for a balanced flavor

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled for easy incorporation

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for a rich flavor

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for a tangy kick

1 tablespoon honey, or more to taste, for sweetness

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by toasting the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pecans and sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they reach a golden-brown color and emit a nutty aroma. After toasting, transfer the pecans to a plate to cool down.

    In a generously sized salad bowl, add the freshly washed baby spinach as your base. Layer in the thinly sliced apple, toasted pecans, red onion slices, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese for a colorful presentation.

      For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Ensure the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.

        Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the spinach and other components are evenly coated in the dressing. Take care not to bruise the spinach leaves.

          Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your palate.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a striking large bowl or distribute it onto individual plates. For an attractive finish, garnish each serving with a few extra pecans and slices of apple. A delicate sprinkle of feta cheese on top will add a lovely visual and textural touch to the dish!