Description
A refreshing and healthy Apple Spinach Salad featuring fresh spinach, crisp apple slices, red onion, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a tangy and sweet honey-mustard lemon dressing. This nutritious salad is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Emulsify the dressing: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced apples, red onion, and toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared honey-mustard lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat all components evenly.
- Add cheese and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top if desired, and serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans or substitute with roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh; the apples may brown if left dressed for too long.
- Optional cheese can be left out for a dairy-free or vegan variation if using a plant-based cheese alternative and replacing honey with maple syrup.
- To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
