Name: Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 oz (about 6 cups) fresh baby spinach; 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup candied or toasted pecans; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced; For the Dressing:; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt & black pepper, to taste

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There’s something so comforting about returning to the classics. And this Spinach & Apple Salad? It’s a fresh, colorful dish that’s just as beautiful on your table as it is on your taste buds. Fresh apple slices, crisp baby spinach leaves, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans unite with creamy feta cheese, all topped with a bright, zesty vinaigrette for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a standout side, or a wholesome meal base, this salad checks all the boxes.

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A Fresh Start to Every Bite
Every season has its star, and for fall through spring, this Spinach & Apple Salad is it. It’s quick to prepare, naturally nutritious, and overflowing with flavor and texture. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills—just a handful of fresh components and a few pantry staples.

Let’s be honest: the blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and creamy is anything but boring. The apples give every bite a refreshing crunch, while the cranberries and pecans introduce that perfect balance of chew and nutty warmth. Then there’s feta—the briny, creamy anchor that ties it all together.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Salad

• Texture heaven: Between the crisp apples, tender spinach, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, every forkful is satisfying
• Sweet + savory: The vinaigrette balances tart and sweet with apple cider vinegar and honey
• Versatile: Serve it as a side or add protein for a complete meal
• Nutritious & balanced: With fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein, it’s nourishing and filling
• Ready in under 15 minutes: Perfect for busy days, impromptu guests, or last-minute holiday dishes

It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier.

What You’ll Need to Make It

Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta

Here’s everything you need to bring this Spinach & Apple Salad to life:

Ingredient	Why It’s Great
Baby spinach (5 oz / ~6 cups)	Tender, nutrient-rich base
Crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji)	Juicy, sweet crunch
Dried cranberries (⅓ cup)	Tart and chewy burst of flavor
Pecans (⅓ cup, candied or toasted)	Nutty crunch with warmth
Feta (¼ cup, crumbled)	Creamy, briny balance
Red onion (¼ small, sliced)	Mild sharpness and bite
Olive oil (3 tbsp)	Rich base for dressing
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp)	Tangy brightness
Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp)	Touch of natural sweetness
Dijon mustard (1 tsp)	Depth and emulsion for the vinaigrette
Salt & black pepper	To taste, for flavor balance

Optional: Add grilled chicken, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty twist.

Tools to Make Salad Prep a Breeze

Good news—no complicated gadgets here. Just a few everyday kitchen tools make prep quick and easy:

• Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for thinly slicing apples and onions
• Cutting board: Preferably non-slip, for safe chopping
• Large salad bowl: To mix ingredients without crowding
• Small jar or whisk + bowl: For shaking or whisking the vinaigrette
• Salad spinner (optional): Great if your spinach needs drying

I love using a mason jar for the dressing—just shake it all together, store any extras, and wash one less dish!

Make It Your Own

This Spinach & Apple Salad is incredibly flexible. Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or accommodating dietary needs, here are a few ways to personalize it:

• Greens: Swap spinach for baby kale or a spring mix
• Fruit: Try sliced pears, mandarin segments, or pomegranate seeds
• Cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese work well too
• Nuts: Try walnuts or almonds for a classic crunch, or opt for sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free alternative.
• Add-ins: Toss in roasted butternut squash, cooked lentils, or chickpeas
• Protein: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or even leftover turkey

Want a cozy pairing for cooler months? Serve it alongside this Warm Burrata & Garlic Roasted Veggie Skillet for a comforting contrast of warm and cold.

Bringing It All Together
What makes this salad special is how simple it is. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until smooth and emulsified.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, candied or toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 3: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.

Step	Pro Tip
Dressing	Taste and adjust before pouring—apple cider vinegar can vary in strength
Apples	Slice last to keep them from browning (or toss in lemon juice)
Nuts	Toast them for 5 minutes for extra depth
Feta	Crumble it yourself for the creamiest texture

Make Mealtime Memorable

This salad is an easy star on your table no matter the occasion. Serve it:

• As a side dish: Perfect with roasted chicken or baked fish
• For lunch: Incorporate a source of protein to make your midday meal more filling and balanced.
• During holidays: A bright counterbalance to rich mains
• At brunch: Pair with frittatas, fresh fruit, or Creamy Basil Burrata Toasts with Hot Honey

It’s fresh, vibrant, and pairs effortlessly with both cozy dishes and light fare.

Keep It Fresh & Other Helpful Tips
• Storage Tip: Keep any leftover salad (without the dressing) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness. Keep the dressing separate for best results
• Prep ahead: Mix the dressing and slice the onions up to 2 days in advance. Wait to slice apples until just before serving
• Pecan tip: Make your own candied pecans with a touch of maple and cinnamon
• Presentation: Layer ingredients for a stunning presentation—spinach on bottom, apples and cranberries scattered, then finish with cheese and nuts

Craving more salads like this? Try this cozy, satisfying Cranberry Spinach Orzo with Toasted Walnuts & Feta next. It’s another delicious blend of sweet, savory, and wholesome goodness.

General Info
• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Meal Type: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
• Cuisine: American, Seasonal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just store the dressing separately and slice the apples right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

What apple variety works best?

Honeycrisp or Fuji are great for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.

How can I make it nut-free?

Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of pecans for a crunch without nuts.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and swap feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.

Will this hold up in a lunchbox?

Absolutely—just pack the dressing separately and add it right before eating to keep everything crisp.

Conclusion

This Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta is a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and effortless preparation. It proves that salads don’t have to be boring—they can be bold, satisfying, and downright craveable. Whether you serve it on a weekday or at a holiday table, this one’s bound to become a staple.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~260 kcal
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	20g
Protein	5g
Fiber	3g

Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta