Apple Feta Spinach Salad

$- 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried - 2 medium apples (preferably Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped for a delightful crunch - 1/4 cup dried cranberries, adding a touch of sweetness - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced for a mild sharpness - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors - 1 tablespoon honey for natural sweetness - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste This salad shines with fresh, simple ingredients. Spinach forms a crisp base. Apples bring a sweet crunch. Feta adds a creamy, salty touch. Walnuts provide a nice texture. Dried cranberries contribute sweetness. Red onion gives a mild bite. For the dressing, I use extra virgin olive oil for richness. Fresh lemon juice brightens each bite. Honey adds a natural sweetness. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds it all out. Together, these ingredients create a salad that is fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing and drying 4 cups of fresh spinach. Place it in a large mixing bowl. Next, core and thinly slice 2 medium apples. Gala or Honeycrisp apples work best for a sweet bite. Add the apple slices to the bowl. Then, crumble 1 cup of feta cheese into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the feta over the spinach and apples. Now, coarsely chop 1/2 cup of walnuts for crunch and mix them in. For sweetness, add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Finally, finely slice 1/4 cup of red onion for a mild sharpness. Toss all these fresh ingredients gently to combine. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey. This mix creates a bright and rich dressing. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. Whisk until smooth. This step is key to blending the honey with the oil and lemon. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use salad tongs or two large forks to gently toss everything together. You want to coat the ingredients well without bruising the delicate spinach leaves. Let the salad rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, place the salad in individual bowls. For extra texture, garnish with additional walnuts or cranberries. This makes the salad even more appealing. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors! - Alternatives for apples: If you want a different taste, try pears or oranges. Both fruits offer a sweet flavor and a nice crunch. You can even use berries for a unique twist. - Vegan options for feta cheese: If you want a plant-based option, use tofu or cashew cheese. These alternatives mimic the creamy texture of feta and blend well with the salad. - Serving bowl options: A clear glass bowl shows off the colorful layers of the salad. You can also use wooden bowls for a rustic look. - Garnishing techniques: Sprinkle extra walnuts or cranberries on top for added color and texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can also enhance the visual appeal. - Tips for perfect seasoning: Start with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste your salad and add more if needed. The right balance makes all the flavors pop. - Importance of resting time: Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the spinach and fruits, making every bite more delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor combination, opt for sweet and crisp varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp, which complement the salty feta perfectly. Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch to the salad. Make Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad components in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the spinach. Vary the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese for a unique twist on this classic salad. {{image_4}} You can change the apples for other fruits. Pears add a sweet crunch. Oranges give a bright, citrus flavor. Strawberries bring a juicy pop and vibrant color. Each fruit gives a new twist to your salad. To make the salad more filling, add protein. Grilled chicken works well and adds a savory touch. Chickpeas are a great plant-based option. They add texture and keep the dish light and fresh. Consider seasonal changes when you make this salad. In winter, add roasted root veggies for warmth. In summer, try fresh berries for brightness. Each season brings new flavors to explore in your salad. To store leftovers of your Apple Feta Spinach Salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents any strong odors from the fridge. If you have leftovers, store them within two hours of making the salad. This helps keep the ingredients safe to eat. Avoid mixing the dressing with the salad until you are ready to eat. This keeps the spinach crisp and fresh. If your spinach looks wilted, you can refresh it easily. First, run cold water over the spinach for a minute. Drain it well, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel. You can also soak the spinach in cold water for about 10 minutes. This helps it regain its shape. After that, toss it lightly to separate the leaves. The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. However, the spinach may lose its crunch after the first day. The apples can also brown, so it's best to eat the salad soon. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store the apples separately and add them right before serving. Yes, you can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the spinach first. Slice the apples and store them in lemon juice to keep them fresh. Crumble the feta and chop the walnuts too. Combine everything just before serving for the best taste. To keep spinach fresh, store it dry in the fridge. Use a clean paper towel to absorb moisture. If you dress the salad too early, the spinach will wilt. Dress it right before you eat for a crisp salad. Gala and Honeycrisp apples are great choices. They add sweetness and crunch. You can also try Granny Smith for a tart flavor. Choose apples that are firm and fresh. This salad is naturally gluten-free. Just check the labels on your ingredients. Ensure your honey and any processed items are gluten-free. Enjoy this salad without worries! This blog post covered a delicious spinach salad packed with fresh ingredients and flavor. You learned about how to prepare each component, make a tasty dressing, and assemble the dish. We also discussed seasoning tips, ingredient swaps, and storage advice. In my experience, simple salads can be both nutritious and satisfying. By mixing and matching ingredients, you can create your own unique version. Keep exploring flavors, and enjoy your creations!$

A refreshing salad featuring fresh spinach, apples, feta cheese, and a delightful dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
2 medium apples (preferably Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
0.25 cup dried cranberries
0.25 cup red onion, finely sliced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced apples, crumbled feta cheese, coarsely chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and finely sliced red onion. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed for balanced flavor in every bite.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, then gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large forks.
Let the salad rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve immediately in individual bowls, garnishing with additional walnuts or cranberries if desired.

Notes

Letting the salad rest enhances the flavors.

Keyword apple, feta, healthy, salad, spinach