Spinach Walnut Salad Apple Cranberry Recipe

I love this salad recipe because it perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, making it an energizing pick-me-up that brightens any meal. Plus, the mix of textures—from crunchy walnuts to creamy feta—keeps every bite exciting and refreshingly satisfying!

I have a great fondness for the creation of salads that are both colorful and nutritious. My Spinach Walnut Salad with Apple and Cranberry is a perfect example.

With 6 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves, superfood walnuts, and sweet apple slices, it’s hard to imagine a salad that’s any more nutritious or delicious. The dried cranberries add a delightful tartness that is perfectly balanced by crumbled feta and a rich balsamic vinaigrette.

This is a salad that makes you feel good while you’re eating it.

Ingredients

• Fresh Baby Spinach: Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C; promotes bone health and boosts immunity.
• Walnuts: Provide healthy omega-3 fats and protein; support heart health and brain function.
• Apple: Offers fiber and vitamin C; adds a refreshing sweetness and crisp texture.
• Dried Cranberries: High in antioxidants and add a subtle tartness; enhance flavor and color.
• Feta Cheese: Source of calcium and protein; contributes a tangy, creamy contrast.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the fresh baby spinach leaves well in a bath of cold water. Using a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner, dry the greens thoroughly.

2. Insert the cleaned spinach leaves O into a big salad bowl.

3. Chop the walnuts coarsely and add them to the bowl with the spinach.

4. Slice the big apple into very thin pieces, almost to the point of translucent. When the apple is sliced this way, it contrasts nicely with the other half of the salad (which is made mostly of grated carrot) and also with the salad’s dressing, a sweet and sour number made with cider vinegar and ginger. That crunch of the apple and the sweetness of its juice are really nice and a counterpoint to the half of this salad that is the large mound of grated carrot.

5. Include the dried cranberries in the mixture; they offer a chewy, sweet contrast to the other elements.

6. Break the feta cheese into small pieces and scatter them over the salad. This will give the salad a rich and creamy, but also tangy and among gourmet flavors, that of the magnificent feta. Mine is more like a salad with feta, than a salad with a dressing.

7. Thinly slice the red onion and distribute it over the salad to achieve a softly sharp taste.

8. Douse the whole salad with the balsamic vinaigrette and you have a deliciously rich and tangy bowl of greens.

9. Softly mix all components together until all are well blended and evenly coated with the dressing.

10. Taste and correct the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, and revel in the cool, crisp joys of your Spinach Walnut Salad with Apple and Cranberries.

Equipment Needed

1. Kitchen sink or large bowl (for rinsing spinach)
2. Salad spinner or clean kitchen towel
3. Large salad bowl
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Bowl (for chopping walnuts)
7. Grater (optional, if using for carrots)
8. Spoon or salad tongs for mixing
9. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?You can replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
• Q: How can I make this salad vegan?A: To make the salad plant-based, simply leave out the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Q: What type of apple is best for this salad?A: A tart, firm apple like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp is a good counterpoint to the flavor balance.
• Q: Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?A: Yes, the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing and the apple just before serving to preserve the freshness of the spinach and prevent the apple from browning.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Refrigerate uneaten portions in a sealed container for up to 2 days. If there’s any dressing left over, store that separately.
• Q: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?A: Certainly, this salad can be made more substantial by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Substitutions and Variations

A few substitutions could be made for the ingredients:

Here are a few substitutions that could be made for the ingredients:
Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts and will lend a distinctly different nutty flavor.
Apple: Substitute sweeter pear or peach slices for a twist on this classic.
Cranberries, dried: For a different option using dried fruit, replace with dried cherries or raisins.
Feta cheese: Substitute goat cheese or blue cheese for an equally tangy flavor.
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing: Change up your vinaigrette by using lemon instead of balsamic vinegar. Or, try a honey mustard dressing instead.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Walnuts Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are fragrant and slightly browned. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.

2. Prevent Apple Browning To keep the apple slices from browning, you can toss them in a little bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will maintain their freshness and appearance.

3. Homemade Dressing Consider making a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This can enhance the flavor more than store-bought options.

4. Chill Before Serving For a refreshing salad, chill all the ingredients before assembling the salad. Cold salad components can be particularly refreshing and crispy, especially on a warm day.

5. Add Fresh Herbs Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs such as basil or mint on top of the salad for an additional layer of flavor and freshness. This can complement the other ingredients beautifully.