Spinach Salad with Apples, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant spinach salad combines crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, it’s dressed in a simple homemade vinaigrette that brings it all together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 ounces baby spinach (about 1 bag)
- 1 large tart apple, sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined to make the vinaigrette dressing. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced apple, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Serve the salad immediately, optionally topping with extra feta and pecans for added texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans before adding to the salad to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
- Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the creamy feta and sweet dressing.
- Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and prevent sogginess.
- For a different twist, swap pecans with walnuts or add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep the vinaigrette separate and refrigerate the salad ingredients in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness. Leftovers can be refrigerated but may lose texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?
Yes, baby kale or mixed salad greens work well as alternatives and add their own unique flavor and texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted tofu for similar creaminess and protein.
PrintSpinach Salad with Apples, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Spinach Salad with crisp tart apples, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. This healthy and easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salad
- 5 ounces (1 bag) baby spinach
- 1 large tart apple, sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced tart apple, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently with a spoon until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra feta cheese and pecans for additional texture and flavor.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from The Kitchn.
- Use fresh baby spinach and crisp tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add crunch.
- Choose a good-quality feta cheese that is creamy, tangy, and crumbly for a richer taste.
- Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Keywords: spinach salad, apple salad, pecan salad, feta salad, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian salad, dinner side dish
