Spinach Apple and Pecan Salad
Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this Spinach Apple and Pecan Salad is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or as a crowd-pleasing side dish. Tender baby spinach forms the nutrient-packed base, while thinly sliced apples (try Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a refreshing crunch) and sweet dried cranberries bring a hint of natural sweetness. Toasted pecans add a delightful nuttiness, and creamy crumbled goat cheese ties all the flavors together. Finished with a tangy homemade vinaigrette featuring apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this salad offers a satisfying balance of savory and sweet notes. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a vibrant addition to any meal and a showstopper at gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 medium apple (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup pecans
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.25 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the salad ingredients. Rinse and pat dry the baby spinach, and place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Wash the apple thoroughly, then core and slice it thinly. Add the slices to the bowl with the spinach.
3. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool before adding to the salad.
4. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and crumbled goat cheese over the spinach and apple slices.
5. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
6. Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and flavorful Spinach Apple and Pecan Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.2 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.7 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1085 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 99.0 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.4 g | ||
| Protein | 22.5 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 668 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
