Spinach Apple Salad
This Spinach Apple Salad has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. It’s fresh, crisp and packed with texture, and the tangy apple cider dressing ties everything together. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and includes just a handful of ingredients!
This Spinach Apple Salad recipe is the perfect salad to enjoy in late summer and early fall. It’s crisp and fresh, so it’s perfect for warmer weather, and it’s a great way to kick off apple season.
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors like I am, you’ll love the combination of fresh baby spinach, crisp, sweet apples, creamy, salty feta, crunchy walnuts and chewy dried cranberries.
My sweet, tangy apple cider vinegar dressing ties all of these flavors perfectly!
The best part is that it comes together in about 15 minutes, it’s an easy side dish for busy weeknights, and it feels special enough for fall entertaining and holidays.
If you love apples in your salads as much as I do, try my kale apple salad next. You can also head over to my collection of fall salad recipes for even more ways to enjoy the season.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Sweet and savory flavor. Crisp, sweet apples, tart cranberries, salty feta and crunchy walnuts turn a simple baby spinach salad into something special.
- Plenty of texture. You get tender greens, juicy apples, chewy cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts and creamy feta in every bite.
- Quick and easy. The salad takes about 15 minutes to assemble with just a handful of ingredients.
- Versatile. Serve it as an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu.
Recipe ingredients
- Spinach. Baby spinach has a mild flavor and tender texture that works beautifully with crisp apples. Purchase pre-washed spinach to save time.
- Apple. Choose a crisp, sweet-tart apple such as Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Fuji or Granny Smith. There’s no need to peel it — the skin adds color and texture. See my apple produce guide for more information on apple varieties.
- Dried cranberries. They add chewy texture and a pop of tart-sweet flavor. Dried cherries would also work well.
- Feta cheese. Creamy, salty feta balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Goat cheese or blue cheese would also be delicious, or omit the cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Walnuts. Toasting the walnuts makes a big difference because it brings out their flavor and makes them extra crunchy. Pecans are a great substitute.
- Salad Dressing. My apple cider vinegar dressing brings the entire salad together with tangy apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and just enough sweetness from maple syrup. Make it in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make this recipe
This apple spinach walnut salad couldn’t be easier. It comes together in about 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
See my apple cider vinegar dressing recipe for full instructions on how to make it. It can be made in advance, or use your favorite store bought dressing.
Pro tip: For best results, assemble the salad just before serving.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
Tips for success
- Toast the walnuts. It’s a small step that’s absolutely worth it. Toasting makes them crunchier and intensifies their rich, nutty flavor.
- Use crisp apples. The apples are a major component of this salad, so choose a variety that won’t turn soft or mealy. Sweet-tart varieties are especially good against the salty feta.
- Slice the apples just before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents browning. If you need to cut them in advance, toss them with a little lemon juice.
- Don’t overdress the salad. Baby spinach is delicate. Start with less dressing than you think you’ll need, toss, then add more as necessary.
- Dress it at the last minute. Once dressed, the spinach will begin to wilt, so wait until just before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Crisp apples that are sweet, tart or a combination of the two work best. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala and Granny Smith are all good choices. Avoid softer varieties that may become mealy once sliced.
For the best color and texture, slice the apples shortly before serving. If you need to prep them ahead, toss the slices with a small amount of fresh lemon juice to slow oxidation.
You can prep the walnuts and dressing ahead, but don’t assemble and dress the salad until close to serving time.
Recipe variations
This spinach and apple salad is easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
- Change the greens. Substitute baby kale, arugula or mixed greens for some or all of the spinach.
- Swap the fruit. Pears are a natural substitute for apples, or try fresh pomegranate arils in place of the dried cranberries.
- Use another cheese. Goat cheese, blue cheese or gorgonzola are all delicious alternatives to feta.
- Change up the nuts. Use toasted pecans, almonds or pistachios instead of walnuts.
- Make it a meal. Add air fryer chicken breast, air fryer salmon or cooked quinoa to turn this fall spinach salad into a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
More fall salad recipes you’ll love:
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Spinach Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces see note 3
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 apple chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- apple cider vinegar dressing to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.1/2 cup walnut pieces
- Place the spinach, apple, feta cheese, dried cranberries and walnuts in a large bowl. Toss gently with the desired amount of dressing and serve immediately. Enjoy!1 apple, 1/2 cup feta cheese, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, apple cider vinegar dressing, 5 ounces baby spinach
Notes
- Pro tip: For best results, assemble the salad just before serving.
- Nutrition information does not include the salad dressing as that has been calculated in a separate post.
- Toast the walnuts in advance, or purchase pre-toasted nuts for a time saver. Not a fan of walnuts? Sub with your favorite nuts or seeds.
- Prep the salad dressing in advance, or use your favorite store bought brand.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
6 Comments on “Spinach Apple Salad”
I made this salad with the Apple Cider Vinaigrette. It is one of the best salads I have had in a very long time. There is absolutely nothing that I could do to make it better. I will be putting this dish into regular rotation – regardless of the season. It is that good.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the salad and I truly appreciate your feedback!
Marcie, the flavors in this salad are incredible! My family will love it!
Thank you so much Kelly!
I’m like you and eat a salad almost everyday for lunch. This does indeed sound like a good one…thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Karen!