🥗 Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed & dried)
- 1 apple (thinly sliced – red or green)
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- â…“ cup walnuts (roughly chopped)
- ÂĽ small red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
- ÂĽ cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare ingredients
- Wash and dry spinach well
- Slice apple just before assembling (to keep it fresh)
- Lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes (enhances flavor)
2. Make dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble salad
- In a large bowl, add spinach
- Top with apples, cranberries, walnuts, onion, and feta
4. Toss & serve
- Drizzle dressing over salad
- Toss gently just before serving
🍎 Flavor Profile
- Sweet: cranberries + honey
- Crunchy: walnuts + fresh apple
- Tangy: vinegar + feta
- Fresh: spinach base
âť“ Q&A (Common Questions)
Q1: Can I use a different green instead of spinach?
Yes—try arugula (peppery) or mixed lettuce.
Q2: How do I keep apples from turning brown?
Toss slices in a little lemon juice before adding.
Q3: Can I make it vegan?
Yes—skip feta or replace with vegan cheese.
Q4: What protein can I add?
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted chickpeas
- Boiled eggs
Q5: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, but:
- Keep dressing separate
- Add apples just before serving
Q6: What nuts can replace walnuts?
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Cashews
Q7: Is this salad healthy?
Yes—rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. Great for weight management.
Q8: Can I make it more filling?
Add:
- Quinoa
- Pasta
- Grilled protein