Name: My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz baby spinach; 2 large apples; ½ small red onion; 1 cup walnut; ⅔ cup dried cranberries; 5 oz goat cheese; 1 batch apple cider vinaigrette; For Champagne Vinaigrette:; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup champagne vinegar; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove; pinch salt and black pepper; 1 tbsp honey

This Apple Spinach Salad recipe is a hearty and delicious dish that's loaded with contrasts and flavors. It's filled with fresh apples, baby spinach, tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries. The salad is brought together with a homemade champagne vinaigrette that adds a perfect tangy touch.

Photos of My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, goat cheese is one ingredient you might need to look for specifically. It's usually located in the specialty cheese section. Also, champagne vinegar used for the vinaigrette might not be in your pantry, but it's certainly worth getting. It's found in the vinegar section and it adds a unique, lively flavor to the vinaigrette.

Ingredients for the Apple Spinach Salad

Baby spinach: A nutritious leafy green that is the base of your salad.

Apples: They add a sweet, juicy crunch to the salad. Any variety works.

Red onion: Provides a sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.

Walnuts: Adds a great crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.

Dried cranberries: Gives a sweet and tangy taste.

Goat cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that gives a tangy flavor.

Champagne vinaigrette ingredients: A homemade dressing that combines olive oil, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey.

One reader, Hayward Estes says:

I absolutely love this apple spinach salad! The combination of fresh spinach, sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy goat cheese is simply divine. The apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly. It's my go-to salad for a healthy and delicious meal. Highly recommended!

Hayward Estes

Essential Techniques for Making Apple Spinach Salad

How to prepare the apple spinach salad: This involves combining the baby spinach, sliced apples, diced red onion, walnuts, dried cranberries, and goat cheese in a large bowl, then drizzling with the apple cider vinaigrette and tossing to combine.

How to make the champagne vinaigrette: Combine the extra virgin olive oil, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and honey in a bowl, then whisk together until well combined. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients to a mason jar, cover, and shake to combine.

How To Make Apple Spinach Salad

Don’t know what to do with your leafy greens? This apple spinach salad lets you use any greens you have, then toss them with nice champagne vinaigrette.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

10ozbaby spinach
2largeapplescored and thinly-sliced
½small red onionpeeled and thinly-sliced
1cupwalnuthalves, toasted or pecans
⅔cupdried cranberries
5ozgoat cheesecrumbled or feta cheese, or blue cheese
1batchapple cider vinaigrettesee below

For Champagne Vinaigrette:

⅓ cupextra virgin olive oil
¼ cupchampagne vinegaror apple cider vinegar
2Tbsplemon juice
1Tbspdijon mustard
1garlic clovepeeled and minced
pinchsalt and black pepper
1 Tbsphoneyoptional, or maple syrup, to sweeten

Instructions

Apple Spinach Salad:

Add spinach, apples, red onion, walnuts, dried cranberries, and half of the goat cheese to a large bowl.
Drizzle with the vinaigrette, and toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining goat cheese.

Champagne Vinaigrette:

Add all ingredients together in a bowl and whisk to combine. Or, add all ingredients to a mason jar, cover, and shake to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 2477.44kcal
Fat: 223.61g
Saturated Fat: 33.53g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 159.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 24.14g
Carbohydrates: 121.20g
Fiber: 11.22g
Sugar: 93.02g
Protein: 6.58g
Cholesterol: 10.87mg
Sodium: 1779.89mg
Calcium: 129.53mg
Potassium: 483.89mg
Iron: 4.10mg
Vitamin A: 293.53µg
Vitamin C: 20.49mg

Pro Tip: Mastering the Art of Apple Spinach Salad

When preparing the apple spinach salad, it's important to cut the apples just before you're ready to serve the salad. This prevents the apples from browning due to oxidation. If you need to cut them in advance, you can toss them in a little bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant. Also, for the champagne vinaigrette, make sure to emulsify the dressing properly by slowly adding the olive oil while continuously whisking. This will ensure a smooth and well-blended vinaigrette.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Wash and dry the spinach and store it in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Chop the apples and red onion in advance and store them in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Multi-task: While the walnuts are toasting, prepare the vinaigrette. This way, you can efficiently utilize your time and have everything ready to assemble the salad quickly.

Organize your workspace: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.

Substitute Ingredients For My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

baby spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a similar peppery flavor and tender texture, making it a great substitute for baby spinach in salads.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears offer a similar sweet and juicy crunch, complementing the other flavors in the salad while adding a unique twist.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, adding a subtle onion taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
walnut - Substitute with pecans: Pecans offer a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, enhancing the salad with a slightly different taste profile.
dried cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a tart and sweet flavor, adding a delightful burst of fruity goodness to the salad.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese offers a tangy and salty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the apples and cranberries while providing a creamy texture.
apple cider vinaigrette - Substitute with balsamic vinaigrette: Balsamic vinaigrette adds a rich, sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with the salad ingredients, creating a delicious dressing alternative.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil provides a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it a versatile and healthy alternative for dressing or cooking.

How to Beautifully Present Your Apple Spinach Salad

Elevate the salad with a stunning presentation: As a chef, presentation is key. Arrange the vibrant baby spinach leaves in a delicate nest, and artfully place the sliced apples, red onions, and walnuts to create an eye-catching display. The contrast of colors and textures will captivate the judges' attention.
Incorporate artistic plating techniques: Utilize culinary tweezers to delicately position the dried cranberries and crumbled goat cheese with precision. This attention to detail showcases your culinary expertise and adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures: Ensure that each bite offers a perfect balance of crispness from the apples, creaminess from the goat cheese, and a delightful crunch from the walnuts. The combination of sweet and savory flavors should be expertly balanced to tantalize the taste buds of the esteemed judges.
Highlight the apple cider vinaigrette: Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette in a graceful, sweeping motion over the salad, allowing it to cascade elegantly over the ingredients. The aroma of the vinaigrette should complement the overall presentation, enhancing the sensory experience for the judges.
Emphasize the use of seasonal, fresh ingredients: Articulate the importance of sourcing the finest organic baby spinach, crisp apples, and quality goat cheese. Highlighting the use of premium, seasonal ingredients demonstrates your commitment to excellence and elevates the overall appeal of the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making an Apple Spinach Salad

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for various cutting tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing salad dressings.
Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying salad dressings and vinaigrettes.
Mason jar: Can be used for making and storing the vinaigrette by shaking the ingredients together.
Food processor: Optional for chopping nuts or blending the vinaigrette ingredients.
Salad bowl: Used for tossing and serving the salad.

Surprising Facts About Apple Spinach Salad

Spinach is a rich source of iron, which is essential for the production of hemoglobin in the body. Consuming spinach regularly can help prevent iron deficiency and anemia.

Is Making Apple Spinach Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This apple spinach salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as spinach, apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries, are reasonably priced and readily available. The champagne vinaigrette adds a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 8. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful and nutritious option for a family meal.

Is This Apple Spinach Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The apple spinach salad recipe is a healthy choice overall, thanks to its nutrient-dense ingredients:

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate
Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants
Walnuts offer heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber
Dried cranberries contain antioxidants and fiber, but also added sugar
Goat cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, but is high in saturated fat

The champagne vinaigrette is made with mostly wholesome ingredients, including olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. However, the honey adds some additional sugar to the dressing.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of goat cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese like feta
Use fresh cranberries instead of dried to minimize added sugar
Decrease the amount of honey in the vinaigrette or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia
Add more colorful vegetables, such as grated carrots or sliced bell peppers, to increase the variety of nutrients
Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating
Toast the walnuts to enhance their flavor, allowing you to use a smaller amount while still providing a satisfying crunch

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Delightful Apple Spinach Salad

This apple spinach salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispness of the apples, the earthy spinach, the crunch of the walnuts, and the sweetness of the cranberries all come together beautifully. The tangy goat cheese and the apple cider vinaigrette add a creamy and zesty element to the salad. The champagne vinaigrette is a perfect complement, adding a touch of sophistication. Overall, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Enhance Your My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and chives

Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus with a balsamic glaze

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy roasted sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and maple syrup

Delicious Alternatives to My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a delicious and hearty meal by stuffing bell peppers with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then baking until tender.

Citrus Glazed Salmon: Whip up a zesty and refreshing glaze using citrus juices, honey, and herbs to coat a succulent salmon fillet, then broil or grill to perfection for a light and flavorful seafood dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in a tropical and healthy dessert by combining ripe mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds to create a creamy and satisfying pudding that's perfect for a sweet treat or breakfast.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a rich and flavorful mixture, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these delicious bruschetta bites. With a perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on crispy bread, these appetizers are a crowd-pleaser.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor will leave you wanting more.

Delicious Fruit Tart: Enjoy a delightful fruit tart filled with a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits. The buttery crust and sweet fruit filling create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why trust this My Favorite Apple Spinach Salad Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, nutritious ingredients. The baby spinach provides a healthy dose of greens, while the apples and dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor. The crunch of walnuts and the creaminess of goat cheese create a satisfying texture. The homemade champagne vinaigrette and apple cider vinaigrette are bursting with flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors in this recipe for a delightful and nutritious salad experience.

What's your favorite apple spinach salad recipe? Share your thoughts and discuss this delicious and healthy dish in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What type of apples work best for this salad?

I recommend using crisp and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of flavors and textures in the salad.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it on the salad.

Is there a substitute for goat cheese?

If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Can I add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal?

Yes, adding grilled chicken is a fantastic idea to make this salad more substantial and turn it into a satisfying main course.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

To prevent the apples from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help preserve their color and freshness.