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This simple fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette dressing is light, crisp, and full of flavor. Tender baby spinach leaves form the base, topped with red onions, sweet apple, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and pecans for contrast and texture. The vinaigrette – a blend of olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey and mustard – adds a tangy brightness that enhances the natural earthiness of the spinach, making the salad both refreshing and satisfying.

Growing up, we had a side salad with most dinners. They were simple, filling, and usually made with iceberg lettuce. But I’ve found over the past few years, my body no longer tolerates iceberg lettuce. My theory is that whatever chemical they spray the lettuce with to keep it fresh longer, just doesn’t agree with my body. So I’m always looking for alternative salads. This spinach salad is not only healthy, easy to make, delicious, and satisfying, it’s also not boring! Give it a try. I’m sure it will become a favorite of yours too.

This salad is perfect served as a side salad, or it can also double easily as an entree if you toss in some grilled chicken to make it more hearty.

Feel free to use whatever variety of tart or sweet fresh apples that you love best. Try swapping in whatever kind of nuts, cheese or dried fruit that you have on hand. This recipe is very flexible which keeps it fresh and never boring.

Ingredients

Spinach: This is the base of the salad. I love using baby spinach. It’s more tender than regular spinach.
Apple: I like to use sweet apples like, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. But if you’re wanting a bit more tartness, try using Granny Smith apples.
Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives the salad a visually appealing contrast and a bit of bite.
Pecans: I love the nutritious, buttery and slightly sweet taste of pecans. They have a high content of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and over 19 essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E, aiding in heart health, satiety, and energy. But feel free to use whatever nuts or seeds you prefer.
Dried cranberries: These add a concentrated burst of tart, sweet flavor and a chewy texture, effectively balancing savory ingredients like cheese, nuts, and vinaigrettes.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy, and creamy contrast. Its firm yet crumbly texture provides a satisfying mouthfeel, giving the salad a Mediterranean flair. But try swapping feta out with gorgonzola or shredded sharp cheddar for a twist.
Vinaigrette: Quick and easy to make with olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), honey, Dijon, garlic, salt and pepper.

Variations

Fruit: This salad would also be wonderful made with fresh pears or mandarins.
Protein: Grilled or baked chicken would be a great way to add some protein and make this an entree.

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