Oh, you know those days when the air gets that crisp little edge, and you just crave something *fresh* and *bright* but still totally comforting? That’s exactly when this amazing apple walnut spinach salad comes to mind! It’s just bursting with all the best fall flavors – crisp apples, those toasty walnuts, and this incredible dressing. Seriously, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or even as a gorgeous side dish when you’re entertaining. My Grandma Eleanor used to make the most incredible salads, and this one just makes me think of her busy kitchen and all the love she poured into every meal. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, a little tangy, and oh-so-satisfyingly crunchy that you just can’t beat. You can even follow along with our kitchen adventures on Facebook!
- Why You'll Love This Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- How to Make This Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- Tips for the Best Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas for This Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
- Serving Suggestions for Your Harvest Salad
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Share Your Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
Honestly, this apple walnut spinach salad is just a winner all around! Here’s why it’s become such a go-to for me:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, you can whip this up in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect when you need something delicious in a flash!
- Fresh, Fabulous Flavors: You get that amazing sweetness from the apples and honey, a little tang from the cheese and dressing, and that fantastic crunch from the walnuts. It’s a flavor party in your mouth!
- So Versatile: Need a light lunch? Perfect. Want a stunning side dish for your holiday table? It’s ideal. You can even check out more side dish ideas here.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fresh greens and good fats, it feels good to eat and tastes even better.
Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
Okay, so getting the ingredients just right is key to making this apple walnut spinach salad sing! When I’m pulling everything together, I always make sure I have these staples on hand. They just come together so beautifully. It helps to have everything prepped, especially when you’re trying to get lunch on the table fast or prepping a bunch of dishes for a holiday meal. You can find more side dish ideas for those special occasions on our site!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baby Spinach: About 6 generous cups. I love using baby spinach because it’s already so tender and bite-sized.
- Apple: One big, crisp apple. I like to slice it nice and thin – it just makes it easier to get that apple goodness in every bite of salad.
- Walnuts: You’ll want about half a cup. Make sure they’re toasted – trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Cheese: Around 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta. Both are amazing here, it just depends on what tangy goodness you’re craving!
- Red Onion: If you like a little bit of a bite, about 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion is fantastic.
- Dried Cranberries: A little handful, maybe 1/4 cup, adds a nice chewy sweetness.
For the Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette
And for the dressing, which is really the star of the show here, all you need is:
- Olive Oil: Get about 3 tablespoons of your favorite olive oil.
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar works wonderfully.
- Dijon Mustard: Just 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for that classic kick.
- Honey: 1 teaspoon of honey to balance it all out.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
How to Make This Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
Alright, let’s get down to making this beautiful apple walnut spinach salad! I’ll walk you through it step-by-step, just like my grandma would. It’s really pretty simple once you know the little tricks. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. It’s even easier if you prep a few things ahead, like I mentioned with our pumpkin spice latte recipe! Trust me, the result is so worth it.
- First things first, let’s make that yummy dressing. Grab a little bowl and whisk together the olive oil, your vinegar (balsamic or apple cider, both are great!), that teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and the honey. Give it a good whisk till it’s all mixed up and then season it with just a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it to make sure it’s perfect for you!
- Now, for the apples! To keep them looking gorgeous and from turning brown before serving, we’re going to give them a little bath. Toss your thinly sliced apples right into that vinaigrette we just made, or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice will work in a pinch. You just want to coat them lightly so they stay beautifully crisp and bright.
- Time to bring it all together! Grab a big salad bowl – you know, the one that feels substantial enough for all these goodies. Gently add your baby spinach, those lovely dressed apples, your toasted walnuts, crumbly cheese, and if you’re using them, the red onion and dried cranberries.
- Pour the rest of that delicious vinaigrette over everything. Then, with a couple of big spoons or even your hands (clean ones, of course!), give it a gentle toss. You want to make sure everything gets lightly coated in that dressing without bruising the delicate spinach too much.
- Serve it up right away! This salad is best when it’s fresh and crisp. Enjoy every bite!
Toasting Walnuts for Your Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
Don’t skip toasting the walnuts, please! It makes such a difference. Just spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll smell them when they’re ready – they get so fragrant and toasty! Let them cool a bit before you toss them into the salad.
Preventing Apple Browning in Your Salad
This little trick with the apples is a lifesaver, especially if you’re prepping this ahead of time or want it to look perfect on the serving table. The acid in the vinaigrette or lemon juice helps slow down that browning process. It’s like magic how it keeps those apple slices looking fresh and appetizing right up until serving time. It’s a simple step that really elevates the whole salad!
Tips for the Best Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
You know, I’ve made this apple walnut spinach salad so many times, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about using the freshest ingredients you can find. For the apples, grab something nice and crisp like a Honeycrisp or Fuji – they hold their shape so well and give you that delightful crunch that you just can’t get with softer apples. And remember, toasting those walnuts is non-negotiable; it brings out all their nutty goodness and makes them so much more flavorful than raw ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little too; think of it as your own kitchen canvas! Maybe try a different cheesy crumble or add a protein if you want it to be a full meal. It reminds me a bit of how I tried to perfect that chicken tortilla soup – sometimes the simplest tweaks make all the difference!
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
One of the best things about this salad is how forgiving it is! If you don’t have feta cheese, try crumbled goat cheese or even a yummy blue cheese if you like a stronger flavor. Pecans are a fantastic swap for walnuts, or even some toasted slivered almonds if that’s what you have on hand. And if you can’t find a Honeycrisp apple, don’t sweat it! Pretty much any firm, crisp apple will work beautifully. Sometimes I even add a scattering of dried cranberries or some thinly sliced red onion for an extra pop of color and flavor. It’s all about making it your own!
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas for This Salad
Life gets so busy, doesn’t it? That’s why I LOVE that this apple walnut spinach salad is just perfect for making ahead. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy make ahead lunch salad. My favorite trick? The good old jar salad method! Just layer your dressing on the very bottom of a mason jar, then add your sturdier ingredients like the walnuts and maybe even the crumbled cheese on top of that. Then comes the fruit, and finally, the spinach goes right on top. Seal it up tight, and you’ve got a gorgeous meal prep jar salad ready to go! When you’re ready to eat, just give it a good shake or dump it into a bowl, and bam – fresh salad!
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Walnut Spinach Salad
Got questions about this delicious apple walnut spinach salad? I love hearing from you! It’s great that you’re thinking about how to customize it or make sure it fits your needs. We’ve covered a lot of ground, but here are a few common things people ask me.
What are the approximate spinach salad calories?
You know, I get asked about the nutritional info a lot! For one serving of this lovely spinach salad, you’re looking at roughly 350 calories. Of course, this is an estimate, and it can change a little depending on exactly how much cheese you sprinkle on or if you go a little heavy on the dressing (guilty!). But it’s a pretty good ballpark for a healthy and delicious salad.
Can I add protein to this apple walnut spinach salad?
Absolutely! This salad is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a heartier meal, adding some protein is a brilliant idea. Grilled chicken breast strips are my go-to – they’re so mild they don’t compete with the other flavors. Some baked salmon or even a can of rinsed chickpeas tossed in would be amazing too! It really turns this delightful harvest salad into a complete, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Your Harvest Salad
This harvest salad with apples is just so versatile, it works with practically anything! If I’m serving it as part of a bigger meal, especially around the holidays or when I’m just feeling festive, I love pairing it with something hearty but not too heavy. A nice roasted chicken or even some baked ham is always a winner. If you’re thinking more casual, maybe for a barbecue, some yummy BBQ pulled pork sliders are just perfect alongside it. It really rounds out the meal and adds a lovely fresh balance to richer flavors.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Now, I know this apple walnut spinach salad is best when it’s super fresh, but sometimes you just have leftovers, right? If that happens, the best way to store it is to keep the dressing separate from the greens and other goodies. Pop the salad mixture (spinach, apples, walnuts, cheese) into an airtight container, and keep the dressing in a little jar or another small container. This way, your spinach won’t get all soggy and sad when you want to enjoy it later. For the toasted walnuts, they stay nice and crisp if they’re stored separately in a little baggie, too. Since it’s a salad, you usually don’t need to reheat it – just bring it back to room temp or enjoy it chilled!
Share Your Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Creations!
Honestly, I get so much joy out of seeing what you all create in your own kitchens! So, if you whip up this apple walnut spinach salad, please, please snap a picture and share it with me! You can tag us or leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out or if you tried any fun variations. I’d also love it if you’d rate the recipe—it really helps other cooks find their new favorite dishes!
PrintApple Walnut Spinach Salad
A crisp and refreshing fall salad featuring apples, walnuts, spinach, and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or holiday side.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prevent apple browning: Toss the sliced apples with a tablespoon of the prepared vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, prepared apples, toasted walnuts, cheese, red onion (if using), and cranberries (if using).
- Dress the salad: Pour the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- To toast walnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until fragrant.
- For a make-ahead lunch salad, layer the ingredients in a jar with the dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg