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To make this salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 1 large apple, thinly sliced (preferably honeycrisp or gala) - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap ingredients to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier base. - Swap the apple for pears for a different sweet flavor. - Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a nutty twist. - Try goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier taste. - Use lemon juice in place of balsamic vinegar for a zestier dressing. This salad not only tastes great but also offers health perks: - Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C. It helps your skin and eyes. - Apples provide fiber and support heart health. They also keep you full. - Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which boost your immune system. - Walnuts contain healthy fats and can improve brain function. - Feta cheese adds calcium for strong bones but in a lower fat form. - Balsamic vinegar may help control blood sugar and adds flavor without calories. These ingredients come together to create a light, nutritious dish that you can enjoy any time. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing 4 cups of fresh spinach. Make sure to dry it well. The spinach gives a nice base. Next, take 1 large apple, preferably honeycrisp or gala. Slice it thinly and add it to the bowl. Then, grab 1 cup of dried cranberries and toss them in too. They add a sweet touch. Now, take 1/2 cup of walnuts. Roughly chop them and add them to the mix. This adds a nice crunch. Next, crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese. Its creamy flavor works well here. Finally, thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion. Add it to the bowl for a little zing. In a separate small bowl, add 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This gives a rich flavor. Next, add 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Use a whisk to mix everything well. You want a smooth dressing that combines all the flavors. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use just enough to coat everything nicely. Toss gently to mix, so all the ingredients blend well. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. If it needs more salt or pepper, add a little. Serve the salad right away for the best freshness. If you prepare it in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle, but enjoy it fresh for the best taste. To wash spinach, fill a large bowl with cool water. Submerge the spinach leaves, then swish them around gently. This helps remove dirt and grit. Let the leaves sit for a few minutes. The dirt will settle at the bottom. Lift out the spinach and let it drain in a colander. To dry, use a salad spinner or pat the leaves with a clean kitchen towel. Dry leaves keep the salad crisp and fresh. When picking apples, look for ones that are firm and crisp. Honeycrisp and Gala are great choices. They add sweetness and crunch. Avoid apples with bruises or soft spots. Check the color; bright, vibrant apples often taste better. If you want a tart flavor, try Granny Smith apples. Always slice the apples just before serving to keep them from browning. To balance flavors in your salad, mix sweet, salty, and tangy elements. The dried cranberries add sweetness, while feta cheese adds saltiness. The balsamic vinegar gives a nice tang. If the salad tastes too sweet, add a pinch of salt. If it’s too salty, a bit more honey can help. Always taste as you go! This way, you can adjust to your liking. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest spinach and apples to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time during meal prep. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after tossing with the dressing to keep the spinach crisp. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better with protein. Adding grilled chicken gives a nice flavor. Simply slice the chicken and mix it in. If you want a veggie option, try tofu. Cube the tofu and sauté it until it’s golden. Both options add extra texture and keep you full. This salad shines in every season. In summer, swap apples for peaches or berries. They add a sweet twist. You can also change the nuts. Try pecans or almonds for a new crunch. These small changes keep the dish fresh and exciting all year. While the balsamic dressing is tasty, you can switch it up. A citrus vinaigrette gives a zesty kick. Mix orange juice, lemon juice, and olive oil for a bright flavor. You can also try a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese. Each dressing offers a new taste and keeps the salad interesting. To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. Seal it tightly to keep out air. This helps maintain freshness. If you added dressing, it may wilt quickly. If possible, store the dressing separately. This keeps the spinach crisp. Leftovers can last about one day in the fridge. For meal prep, wash and dry your spinach first. Cut your apple just before serving. This keeps it from browning. You can chop walnuts and feta ahead of time. Mix the dressing in advance too. Store it in a small jar. Shake it well before using. This way, you have a fresh salad ready to go! Fresh spinach lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Apples can stay fresh for a week or more. Dried cranberries last for several months if sealed. Walnuts hold well for a few months, but store them in a cool place. Feta cheese lasts about a week after opening. Make sure to check dates on all items before use. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Just prepare all the ingredients and toss them together. Make the dressing separately. When you are ready to eat, mix the dressing in. This keeps the spinach fresh and crunchy. You can also refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors blend before serving. This salad is great on its own but pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken for extra protein. It also goes well with sandwiches or wraps. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside soup. You can even enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread. This salad can suit many diets, but some tweaks are needed. To make it vegan, skip the feta cheese. For a gluten-free option, ensure your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are safe for both diets. It's a great way to enjoy fresh flavors without any worries. This blog post covered the key elements of making a delicious Cranberry Apple Spinach Salad. We explored the ingredients, preparation steps, and useful tips. You learned about substitutions, health benefits, and storage techniques. In making this salad, you can add your twist. Try different proteins, fruits, or dressings to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. This salad is not just tasty but also healthy. So, dive in and make it your own!

Cranberry Apple Spinach Salad

A fresh and vibrant salad combining spinach, apples, cranberries, and nuts, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced (preferably honeycrisp or gala)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, sliced apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to preference.
  • Serve immediately for the best freshness, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle if preparing in advance.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best freshness, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
Keyword apple, cranberry, healthy, salad, spinach