Apples and spinach—who would’ve thought they pair so perfectly? Picture a crisp autumn day, leaves crunching underfoot, and this salad on your plate. It’s like a symphony of sweet and savory, a refreshing dance of textures, and honestly, my taste buds can’t get enough.
Steps
- Prepare the vinaigrette by mixing extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk the mixture thoroughly, or alternatively, shake it in a mason jar until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced apples, red onion, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and half of the crumbled goat cheese. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately, garnishing with the remaining goat cheese for an added touch. Enjoy your fresh apple spinach salad!
Ingredients
- 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach
- 2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced
- Half of a small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, toasted
- 1/3 cup of dried cranberries
- 3 ounces of crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, peeled and minced
- A generous pinch of salt and black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad?
- Absolutely! While the recipe uses goat cheese for its tangy flavor, you can substitute it with crumbled feta, gorgonzola, or even a shredded sharp cheddar if you prefer.
- What kind of nuts can I use as a substitute for walnuts?
- You can replace walnuts with pecans or any other nuts or seeds you enjoy. Just make sure they are toasted to enhance their flavor.
- How can I make this salad more filling?
- To make the salad more hearty, consider adding some cooked farro, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu. Roasted sweet potato is also a great addition.
- What other fruits can be used instead of apples?
- If you’re looking to change things up, try using fresh pears, mandarins, or pomegranate arils either as a replacement for or in combination with apples.
- Is there a way to mellow the flavor of red onions in the salad?
- Yes, if you’d like a milder onion flavor, you can rinse the thinly sliced red onions in cold water before adding them to the salad.
Tips
- To mellow the sharpness of the red onion, briefly rinse the thinly sliced pieces in cold water before adding them to the salad. This will soften their flavor without losing their bite.
- Toast your walnuts or any other nuts you choose to use. Toasting enhances the flavor of the nuts and adds a delightful crunch to your salad.
- Consider doubling the apple cider vinaigrette recipe. It’s quick to make and can be used to dress other salads throughout the week.
- Customize the salad with additional ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Adding roasted sweet potatoes, grilled chicken, or even some cooked farro can make the salad more filling and nutritious.
Equipment
- Mason Jar – Useful for shaking and mixing the vinaigrette.
- Salad Spinner – To wash and dry the spinach effectively.
- Whisk – For mixing the vinaigrette ingredients if not using a mason jar.
- Chef’s Knife – For slicing apples and onions.
- Cutting Board – To prepare the fruits and vegetables.
- Large Salad Bowl – For tossing and serving the salad.
