Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta Recipe

If you’re in search of a vibrant, fresh dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, the Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta is an absolute showstopper. This salad is a delightful medley of crisp baby spinach leaves, juicy apple slices, tart cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a simple, tangy dressing. It’s one of those recipes that make you smile with every bite—easy enough for a quick lunch but elegant enough to impress guests at dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this salad, and each one plays a crucial role in creating a brilliant mix of flavors, textures, and colors. From the freshness of baby spinach to the rich creaminess of feta, every component shines through.

• Baby spinach (4 cups): Provides a tender, leafy green base loaded with nutrients.
• Apple, thinly sliced (1 crisp, Honeycrisp or Fuji): Adds natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
• Dried cranberries (¼ cup): Bring a burst of tart flavor and chewy texture.
• Pecans, toasted (¼ cup): Offer a nutty crunch that complements the softness of spinach and feta.
• Crumbled feta cheese (¼ cup): Adds creamy, salty notes that brighten the salad.
• Optional thinly sliced red onion: Introduces a gentle bite and subtle sharpness.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Serves as the smooth, rich base for the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Gives the dressing its bright, tangy lift.
• Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Adds depth and a touch of spicy complexity to the dressing.
• Honey (1 tsp): Balances acidity with a hint of natural sweetness.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.

How to Make Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until everything blends into a smooth vinaigrette. This dressing brings a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet notes that elevate every bite of the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Place the baby spinach into a large salad bowl as the base. Then, scatter the thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the greens. If you’re adding red onions, sprinkle them on top now for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Dress It and Toss Gently

Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad. Give it a gentle toss to make sure all the ingredients get lightly coated without bruising the tender spinach or sogging the apples.The freshness and crunch in this salad come alive best when dressed right before eating.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta right away to savor the crisp textures and bright flavors at their peak. This salad shines when served fresh, making it an ideal quick lunch or a side for your evening meal.

How to Serve Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra pecan halves or a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or mint on top to add freshness and a pop of color. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, complementing those proteins with its sweet and tangy profile. It’s also a vibrant addition to a brunch spread alongside warm focaccia or a crusty baguette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the salad on individual plates instead of in a bowl, artfully arranging the apples and cranberries on top. You can also pack this salad into mason jars for a portable, eye-catching lunch option—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. This helps keep the baby spinach crisp and prevents the apples and pecans from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended, especially because the textures of spinach, apples, and feta change when frozen.

Reheating

Since it’s a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy it cold for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Baby kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens all work wonderfully and will bring slightly different flavors and textures to the dish.

What types of apples are best for this salad?

Choose crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji—they hold their crunch well and add a pleasant sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly without losing flavor.

Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?

Definitely. The vinaigrette can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk or shake before drizzling it over the salad.

What if I don’t have pecans on hand?

You can substitute toasted walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a different nutty crunch while maintaining the texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Spinach & Apple Salad with Cranberries, Pecans & Feta enough for anyone craving a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make salad that never disappoints. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to impress friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens up any meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to salad!