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- 4 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 large apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup pecan halves - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 red onion - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This salad shines with fresh and simple ingredients. The star is the baby spinach, which brings a vibrant green color. I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples because they add a sweet crunch. The pecans give a nice nutty flavor and texture. Then, we add a bit of feta cheese, which adds a creamy touch. The red onion gives a slight bite, balancing the sweetness of the apples. Dried cranberries bring a chewy, sweet contrast to all the flavors. For the dressing, I prefer a mix of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Honey adds sweetness, while salt and pepper finish it off. This combination really ties the salad together. You can find the detailed steps in the Full Recipe. To make the dressing, start with a small bowl. Whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. This dressing brings a bright flavor to the salad. Next, place the pecan halves in a dry skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Toast the pecans for about three to five minutes. Stir them often to keep them from burning. You’ll know they are ready when they smell fragrant. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool. In a large salad bowl, add four cups of fresh baby spinach. Then, slice one large apple and add it to the bowl. Toss in the toasted pecans, a quarter cup of crumbled feta cheese, a quarter of a thinly sliced red onion, and a quarter cup of dried cranberries. This mix creates a colorful and tasty salad. Now, drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Make sure to cover everything evenly. This will add flavor to each bite. Gently toss the salad to mix all the ingredients. Be careful not to bruise the spinach. Serve the salad immediately for the best taste. You can also chill it for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful delight! For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Spinach Apple Pecan Delight. When making this salad, I always choose Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. They add sweetness and a nice crunch. These apples hold their shape well and taste great with the other ingredients. Letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving really helps the flavors mix. This waiting time allows the dressing to soak into the spinach and apples. It makes every bite burst with taste. To make this salad shine, serve it in a clear bowl. A clear bowl shows off the vibrant colors of the spinach, apples, and pecans. This adds to the appeal and makes it even more inviting to eat. {{image_2}} You can easily add more nutrition to your salad. Grilled chicken or chickpeas work great. Chicken adds a savory touch, while chickpeas boost plant protein. Both options keep the salad filling and satisfying. You can use leftover grilled chicken or canned chickpeas for quick prep. If you want a different crunch, try using walnuts or almonds. Walnuts offer a rich flavor, while almonds give a nice crunch. Both nuts add healthy fats and protein. Feel free to mix nuts for a unique taste in every bite! Want to change things up? Try a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing. Balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy zing, while yogurt dressing makes it creamy. Each option brings a new flavor profile to your salad. Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Spinach Apple Pecan Delight. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will prevent it from wilting and losing its crunch. Place the container in the refrigerator right after you finish eating. For best quality, consume your salad within 1-2 days. After this time, the spinach may become limp, and the flavors might fade. Enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best taste! You can prepare the dressing and ingredients separately. This method helps keep the spinach crisp and the apples from browning too fast. Mix everything just before serving for a delightful, fresh experience. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, kale or mixed greens work well as alternatives. These greens bring different flavors and textures. Kale is more robust, while mixed greens add variety. Experimenting can make your salad fun! Omit feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. This substitution keeps the salad sweet and rich. You can still enjoy great taste and texture without any animal products. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be a standalone light meal. This salad complements chicken, fish, or even a hearty soup. Enjoy it as a fresh side or main dish. Includes healthy fats from nuts, vitamins from spinach and apples. The nuts provide protein, while spinach is packed with iron and fiber. For specifics, consider using a nutrition calculator. Yes, prepare the salad ingredients but wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh. You can save time by prepping early while enjoying great taste. For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post shared how to make a tasty Spinach Apple Pecan Salad. You learned about the fresh ingredients, easy steps, and tips to enhance flavors. Remember, using Fuji apples gives a great crunch, and letting it sit boosts taste. You can switch nuts or add protein to fit your needs, too. Enjoy this salad fresh, and keep leftovers in the fridge for a day or two. With these tips, you can make a salad that delights and nourishes your body.

Spinach Apple Pecan Salad

Discover the perfect balance of flavors with this crunchy spinach apple pecan delight! This refreshing salad combines fresh baby spinach, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and feta cheese for a delicious and healthy dish. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant salad that's great for any meal. Click through to explore this easy recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

1 large apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced

1/2 cup pecan halves, lightly toasted

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup dried cranberries

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

    Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

      Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, sliced apple, toasted pecans, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

          Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients without bruising the spinach. Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4