Here’s a fresh, crunchy Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple—sweet, tangy, and full of texture:
🥗 Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple
🧾 Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 large apple (red or green), thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (optional, adds creaminess)
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare ingredients:
Wash spinach and slice apple just before assembling to prevent browning. - Toast walnuts (optional but recommended):
Lightly toast in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool. - Make dressing:
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. - Assemble salad:
In a large bowl, combine spinach, apple slices, cranberries, walnuts, and red onion. - Add dressing:
Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving and toss gently. - Finish:
Sprinkle feta cheese on top if using.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Use pear instead of apple for a softer sweetness.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Perfect as a light lunch or side dish
- Pairs well with soups or grilled meats
- Great for holiday tables or meal prep (keep dressing separate)
If you want, I can give you a restaurant-style version, a low-calorie version, or a balsamic glaze upgrade version 👍