Spinach and apple salad is a light, refreshing dish that combines the earthy flavor of fresh spinach with the crisp sweetness of apples. The contrast of textures and flavors makes this salad both vibrant and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the freshness of seasonal produce and the natural sweetness of apples.
To start, wash and dry a generous amount of fresh spinach leaves. The spinach provides a great base for this salad, offering a mild, slightly earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of apples. For the apples, choose a variety that’s crisp and juicy, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Slice the apples thinly, leaving the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. If you like, you can toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and add a slight tang to the salad.
Next, consider adding a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavors and textures of the salad. Thinly sliced red onions add a hint of sharpness and color, while crumbled feta or goat cheese offers a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans on top. These add a satisfying texture and nutty flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.
For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette works wonders. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a balanced, slightly tangy dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and the earthiness of the spinach. Whisk the ingredients together and drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
Spinach and apple salad is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it with additional ingredients like dried cranberries, seeds, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, making it a great addition to any meal, whether served alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach washed and dried
- 1 medium apple cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced apple, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh salad.
Nutrition
Is balsamic dressing really necessary? Seems kinda weird for a salad with apples.
This salad is amazing! The apple adds a sweet touch that I didn’t expect. Will make again for sure!
Yummy! I threw in some cranberries too and it was perfect! 🙂
I dunno… Spinach and apple sounds like a weird combo. Tried it but couldn’t get into it. Maybe it’s just me.
Not sure about the feta… It was a bit too salty for me.
Didn’t think feta and apple would work together but wow! Will make again.
This salad is amazing! The apples add a nice sweetness. Will make it again!
Absolutely love this salad! The apples add a nice crunch and sweetness. Will definitely make again!
I dunno, I don’t think apples belong in salad. Tried it and wasn’t a fan.
I made this for my family and they loved it too! So fresh and tasty!
Why would you put feta in a salad with apples? Sounds kinda gross to me. But I guess everyone has different tastes.
This is a fantastic salad! The sweetness of the apple balances perfectly with the feta. Will be making again! 😊
Very easy to make! However, I used balsamic dressing from a jar, not homemade.
Using jar dressing is totally fine! Sometimes we gotta keep it simple. Glad you liked the recipe!
I didn’t have feta, so used cheddar. Close enough, right? 😂 Still good though.
Too simple! I expected more flavor. It was just spinach and some apples. Meh.
I think it’s a healthy combo, but yeah, I agree it could use more pizzazz. Some cranberries or a different dressing might help.
I actually loved this salad! The simple ingredients can really highlight the fresh flavors. Maybe try adding some extra toppings next time?
I ain’t never seen a salad like this before. Walnuts? Really? 🤨 But I tried it and was surprised!
I’m glad you tried it! Walnuts add such a nice crunch. Who would have thought, right? 🤷♀️
Simple and delicious! I added some raisins too and it was delish! 🍏👌
Spinach and apples? Really? Sounds nasty but I’ll give it a try.
I made this for a picnic, and everyone loved it! Refreshin’!
That sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it at my next get-together. Thanks for sharing!
Isn’t that too simple? I thought salads needed more stuff. Maybe add some grilled chicken?
Can I use canned spinach? I hate fresh spinach…
Canned spinach would totally change the texture, but if you really don’t like fresh spinach, go for it! Just drain it really well!
I don’t think that would taste right… Fresh spinach is like, the whole point of a salad!
Why do people put fruit in salads? It’s weird. I prefer veggies only. Not my thing.
Very simple recipe. Better than fast food! Will try adding more nuts next time.
Is balsamic vinaigrette the only option? I used ranch dressing lol.
I added some chicken to it and it was delicious! Love the feta and dressing. Yum!
Wow this sounds healthy! But where’s the protein? Maybe add chicken?
I thought it was too bland. I added some spices, and it helped a bit.
I agree! It needs a bit more zing. Maybe try some chili flakes next time?
Bland? Really? I thought it was perfect as is. Everyone has different tastes.
Sooo good! Made it for a party and everyone loved it. Will make again for sure!
I wasn’t sure about the walnuts but they actually add a nice crunch. Thumbs up!
I only had frozen spinach. It didn’t taste the same. Not making again.
1. Frozen spinach is wet! 2. This salad needs fresh! 3. Make it again with fresh! Trust me!
I’ve made it with frozen spinach too, and it just doesn’t give that fresh crunch, you’re right! Maybe try it again with fresh ingredients?
Yum! Made it for a party and everyone loved it! I used pecans instead of walnuts, still turned out great!
Really simple and easy to make. Perfect for lunch. A quick salad for busy days!
So fresh and delicious! Perfect side dish for summer BBQs! 🥗💖
Yummm this is so good! Just made it for lunch and it was gone in minutes!
OMG, so easy to make! Only had spinach and apples at home. Saved my dinner! 😊
Ehh, could’ve been better. The spinach was kinda chewy. I don’t know, maybe it was just me.
Not a fan. The walnuts are too crunchy with the soft apple. It just didn’t work for me.
Why do we need balsamic? Plain ol’ oil works better. Just sayin’.
Spinach in a salad? That makes it healthy, right? LOL. I’m in.
This salad is absolutely delicious! The combo of spinach and apple is perfect.
I agree! The sweetness of the apple with the spinach is such a refreshing combo. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Sounds good but I’m not sure about the balsamic. Can other dressings work too? Just curious!
I’ve never tried apple in salad before. This changed my life! So tasty!
This salad is amazing! The combo of spinach and apple is so refreshing. Definitely a keeper!
Spinach? Really? How can you eat that? No way I’m trying this.
I don’t understand why people like feta. I swapped it for cheddar and it was good.
Cheddar is great, but feta gives it a unique flavor! You might miss out on that.
Honestly, who needs feta? As long as it tastes good, that’s what matters!
Who puts fruit in salad? That’s just wrong.
Honestly, I’m not a fan of the apple in the salad. It feels weird with the feta.
Quick and easy! Perfect for those lazy summer days. 🍏🥗
This salad looks yummy! I love how simple it is. Perfect for a quick lunch. 🥗❤️
I made this for dinner, but I skipped the walnuts. Still tasted great!
Glad you enjoyed it! Walnuts are nice, but I think apples and spinach are the real stars here.
I dont like salads but this one is good. Even my kids ate it!
That’s great to hear! It’s always a win when kids eat their greens. This salad is so tasty with the apples and feta!
Spinach? Try kale instead for more crunch!
This salad is so refreshing! I added some sliced strawberries too.
Strawberries sound like a great addition! I might try that next time.
This salad is super refreshing! I love the combo of apple and spinach.
Totally agree! The apple adds such a nice crunch. 🤩
Sounds good, but isn’t spinach kinda bitter? Not sure about this…
Do I have to use walnuts? I don’t like ’em, can I use almonds instead?
Yeah, totally! Almonds would be great in this. Just chop ’em up and throw ’em in! 😄
Easy recipe but I don’t like feta. Could I use cheddar instead?
Cheddar would totally work! It’ll give a different flavor but still tasty.
Perfect for a light lunch! I added some grilled chicken for protein. Yum!
Spinach don’t taste good! Why would you mix wif apples? 🤷♂️
Yummy but too much vinaigrette! I prefer less dressing, maybe just olive oil.
I totally get that! Sometimes less is more. I usually just go with a drizzle of olive oil too!
Not a fan. The apple was too sweet for my liking. Maybe if I used something sour instead…
I actually love the sweetness of the apple in this salad! It’s a nice contrast to the spinach and feta. Maybe try a tart apple next time!
You could try adding lemon juice to balance the sweetness. But this salad is just fine as is, I think you’re being too picky!
This salad is so refreshing! I loved the combo of apples and feta.
Wasn’t a fan of the feta. I think blue cheese would have been better.