Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, autumn invites us to indulge in the vibrant flavors of the season. The aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen, combined with the rich colors of fall produce, sets the stage for comforting meals. One dish that captures the essence of autumn is the Crisp Autumn Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad. This salad not only showcases the bounty of seasonal ingredients but also provides a refreshing, healthy option that can stand out at any gathering or serve as a delightful addition to your weeknight dinners.

Experience the flavors of fall with the Crisp Autumn Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad, a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for any gathering or a weeknight dinner. This vibrant salad combines fresh spinach, sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, all drizzled with a delightful vinaigrette. Easy to prepare, this salad not only highlights seasonal ingredients but also offers a burst of health benefits in every bite. Embrace autumn’s bounty and indulge in this deliciously nutritious salad!

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Ingredients

6 cups fresh baby spinach

1 large apple (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced

1 cup fresh cranberries (or ½ cup dried cranberries)

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the fresh baby spinach thoroughly and patting it dry. Core and slice the apple into thin wedges. If using fresh cranberries, rinse them under cold water and set aside.

Toast the Walnuts: In a skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Adjust the taste based on your preference for sweetness or acidity.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced apple, cranberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, and sliced red onion.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the spinach and other ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.

Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Enjoy your Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings