Looking for a quick and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and nutrition? Look no further than this Easy Apple Spinach Salad with Apple Vinaigrette! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant salad that combines the crispness of fresh spinach with the sweetness of sliced apples and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Topped with a tangy apple vinaigrette and creamy feta cheese, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful addition to any meal or a perfect light lunch on its own. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe that’s bound to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Core the apple and slice it thinly into half-moon or wedge shapes. For best presentation, consider using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices.
- In a small dry skillet, lightly toast the chopped walnuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a pleasant crunch.
- To prepare the vinaigrette, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the fresh spinach leaves as a base layer, creating an even, inviting surface.
- Arrange the apple slices decoratively over the spinach leaves, distributing them evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled feta cheese over the salad, ensuring a balanced distribution of ingredients.
- Just before serving, drizzle the apple vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to coat the ingredients without bruising the spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors of the salad, with additional vinaigrette on the side if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use the freshest spinach and crisp apples you can find. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work wonderfully in this salad.
- Toast the Walnuts: Don’t skip the toasting step! Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch to your salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over the salad.
- Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, slice the apples thinly and arrange them in a fan shape on top of the spinach. It makes the salad visually appealing and more appetizing!
- Add More Flavor: Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients such as dried cranberries, sliced strawberries, or even grilled chicken for added protein.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so assemble it just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the flavors vibrant.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
