Description
A refreshing and vibrant Apple Spinach Salad tossed with a tangy honey-mustard lemon dressing. This quick and easy salad combines fresh spinach, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and optional creamy cheese, perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced apples, sliced red onions, and toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to evenly coat all components with the dressing.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top if desired, then serve the salad immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use apples that are crisp and tart-sweet like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best flavor balance.
- To toast nuts, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve immediately after tossing to prevent spinach from wilting and apples from browning.
- Adjust honey and mustard quantities to taste depending on desired sweetness and tanginess.
