If you’re craving something bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of crisp baby spinach leaves, sweet apple slices, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a charming side dish, this salad brings together textures and tastes that will dance on your palate and brighten any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this salad shine. Each component adds its own unique touch, whether it’s crunch, sweetness, creaminess, or a pop of color that makes the final dish irresistible.
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach: The tender, nutrient-rich base that stays vibrant and adds a mild, fresh flavor.
- 1 apple, thinly sliced: Adds crisp sweetness and a juicy texture that balances the saltiness of feta.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a subtle sharpness and a splash of color to the salad.
- 1/2 cup pecan or sliced almonds: Introduces a satisfying crunch and a pleasant nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Offers bursts of tartness that perfectly contrast with the creamy cheese.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy, tangy element that ties the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Provides a rich, tangy base for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dressing a smooth, fruity finish and helps everything blend perfectly.
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste): Adds a mild heat to lift the dressing.
How to Make Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by gathering your freshest baby spinach in a large mixing bowl. Then gently add in the thinly sliced apple and red onion for that crisp and slightly spicy flavor. Sprinkle your choice of pecans or sliced almonds and dried cranberries for texture and bursts of tartness. Finally, crumble the feta cheese over the top to add a creamy, salty dimension that will make this salad truly memorable.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the dressing is smooth and perfectly emulsified. This simple dressing wraps all the ingredients in a glossy, tangy coating that brings everything to life.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure every leaf and slice is lightly coated. The goal is to preserve the crispness of the spinach and apple while delivering vibrant flavor in every bite. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and taste.
How to Serve Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of freshness and color, consider garnishing with a few fresh herb leaves like mint or parsley. A sprinkle of toasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower can also add crunch and look appealing on the plate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome, balanced meal. It can also complement a rustic bread basket or a warm bowl of soup, making it versatile enough for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this salad in individual small bowls or on a platter lined with extra spinach leaves. Layering the apples and cranberries on top creates a colorful visual feast, perfect to impress guests or brighten up a family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain freshness. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day, but the apples may start to brown, so it’s best eaten soon after preparation.
Freezing
This Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The texture of the spinach and apples would suffer upon thawing, and the dressing may separate.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. It’s meant to be crisp, cooling, and refreshing — perfect straight from the fridge or just tossed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is ideal for its mild flavor and tender texture, baby kale or mixed spring greens would also work nicely with the sweet and tangy ingredients.
What type of apples work best for this salad?
Crunchy, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they won’t get soggy and add that bright, crisp bite to your salad.
Can I substitute feta cheese for another cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata offer similar creamy and tangy notes that complement the salad beautifully if you want to mix things up.
Is the dressing suitable for someone on a low-fat diet?
The dressing is made with olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but you can reduce the amount or substitute with a lighter vinaigrette if desired for a lower-fat option.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe comes together in about 10 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about the crunchy apples, tart cranberries, and creamy feta dancing together atop fresh spinach, all brought to life with a simple balsamic dressing. This Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe is a true celebration of flavor that’s incredibly easy to make and wonderfully versatile. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become your go-to favorite for any occasion!
Print
Fresh Spinach Salad with Apple, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and fresh Spinach Salad featuring baby spinach, crisp apple slices, red onion, crunchy pecans or almonds, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This easy-to-assemble salad makes a perfect light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans or sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced apple, red onion, pecans or sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything well to evenly coat the salad with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans or almonds before adding them to the salad.
- Use honey or maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness to the dressing if desired.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
- Serve immediately to prevent the spinach from wilting.
