A crisp and refreshing fall salad featuring apples, walnuts, spinach, and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or holiday side.
Author:Caroline Hayes
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
Scale
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.