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- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 2 medium apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced This salad shines with fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach is the base. It adds color and nutrition. Choose bright green leaves. Apples bring a sweet crunch. Gala or Honeycrisp work best. Their flavor pairs well with feta. Feta cheese adds creaminess. It also gives a salty bite. Walnuts add healthy fats and crunch. Use roughly chopped walnuts for texture. Dried cranberries add a chewy sweetness. Finally, the red onion gives a sharp taste. Slice it thinly for a milder flavor. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Now, let’s talk about the dressing. It ties everything together. Start with olive oil. It brings a rich, smooth taste. Lemon juice adds brightness. It cuts through the creaminess of the feta. Honey gives a hint of sweetness. Adjust it to your taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors. Mix these ingredients well. A good dressing makes your salad pop. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, wash and dry the fresh spinach. Make sure you remove any dirt or grit. Use a salad spinner for quick drying. Next, core the apples. Slice them thinly. I love using Gala or Honeycrisp apples. Their sweetness adds great flavor to the salad. In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, apple slices, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion. Mix these ingredients well; they should be evenly distributed. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing ties all the flavors together. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the salad ingredients evenly. Let it rest for about five minutes. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve the salad fresh, and feel free to add extra walnuts or cranberries for a nice touch. Enjoy! When picking apples for your salad, taste matters. Gala apples are sweet and juicy. They add a nice crunch. Honeycrisp apples are another great choice. They are crisp and refreshing. Try using a mix of both for more flavor. Look for firm apples, as they hold up well in salads. Avoid soft or mushy apples, as they can make your salad soggy. Feta cheese can vary in taste. You may find it creamy or crumbly. For the best results, choose authentic Greek feta. It has a strong flavor that pairs well with apples. If you prefer a milder taste, try French feta. It is softer and less salty. Make sure to crumble the feta before adding it to the salad. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. Presentation can make your salad shine. After tossing the salad, think about garnishes. Add extra walnuts or cranberries on top for color. Fresh herbs, like mint or parsley, can also add a nice touch. You can serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of black pepper can enhance the look and flavor. Enjoy your beautiful Apple Feta Spinach Salad! Pro Tips Choose Crisp Apples: Opt for varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a sweet crunch that complements the feta and spinach beautifully. Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or basil for an aromatic boost that elevates the salad's flavor profile. Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness. {{image_2}} If you want to swap out walnuts, try pecans or almonds. Both add a nice crunch. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. They give a great texture and flavor. Just make sure to chop them if they are large. Each nut brings its own taste, so feel free to mix and match. To boost protein in your salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Both options pair well with the salad's fresh flavors. You can also try adding quinoa for a hearty touch. If you want more sweet, add sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges. These fruits enhance the salad's taste and color. For a vegan version, replace feta with tofu or a nut-based cheese. You can also skip the honey in the dressing. Use maple syrup or agave instead. For gluten-free needs, this salad is naturally gluten-free, so enjoy it as is! Just check your packaged ingredients to ensure they're gluten-free. To keep your Apple Feta Spinach Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to remove any extra dressing before storing. This keeps the greens crisp and tasty. If you have leftover dressing, keep it in a separate jar in the fridge. This way, you can dress the salad just before eating. When stored correctly, the salad stays fresh for about 2 days. After that, the spinach may wilt and lose its crunch. The apples might brown, too, which changes the look. For the best flavor, try to eat it within the first day. You can prep some parts ahead of time. Wash and chop the spinach and apples, but wait to mix them with feta and nuts. You can also make the dressing a day early. Just give it a good shake before you pour it over the salad. This helps the flavors stay bright and fresh when you’re ready to eat. Yes, you can use different greens. If you want a change, try arugula or kale. Both add a nice crunch. You can also mix greens for more flavor. Just make sure they are fresh and washed. Spinach is great, but other greens can make it fun! You can lighten the dressing easily. Use less olive oil or try yogurt instead. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and cuts fat. You can also add more lemon juice for extra zest. If you skip the honey, the salad will still taste good. Just adjust to your liking! This salad goes great with grilled chicken or fish. The flavors work well together. You might also serve it with a warm soup. A crusty bread on the side is perfect too. For a full meal, add a protein to make it heartier! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Apple Feta Spinach Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients like spinach, apples, feta, and walnuts. I shared tips for dressing and salad prep. You learned about variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. In conclusion, this salad is easy to make and delicious. Feel free to try your own twists and enjoy!

Apple Feta Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, apples, feta cheese, and a light dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, apple slices, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.
  • Allow the salad to sit for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with additional walnuts or cranberries if desired.

Notes

Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Keyword apple, feta, healthy, salad, spinach