Spinach Salad Recipe with crisp apples, tangy red onion, sweet cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy bacon, and candied pecans, tossed in a satisfying apple-Dijon dressing.
author’s note
Not Your Average Spinach Salad!
After baking a reliable apple pie and cobbler, I had some leftover apples and decided to make something lighter, this Spinach Salad!
It’s the reliable mix of sweet and savory with crisp apples, cranberries, bacon, and red onion. And this salad is a total showstopper! It’s gorgeous and always a hit for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas
Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s straightforward to customize with grilled chicken or steak.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spinach | Pre-washed spinach saves time. Look for fresh, vibrant greens in the bag. |
| Apples | Mix a sweet apple with a tart one for more flavor. |
| Red Onion | Don’t like it? Leave it out. To make it milder, soak in cold water before adding. |
| Pecans | Honey-roasted or candied pecans add a sweet crunch. |
| Cranberries | They add sweetness, or try tart dried cherries for a fun twist. |
| Feta | Crumbled feta brings creamy, tangy flavor. |
| Bacon | In a rush? Use microwave bacon or bake it for less clean-up. |
Fall Spinach Salad Recipe Dressing
This dressing is super straightforward to make and tastes amazing! The key is using high-quality ingredients.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy, fruity flavor. Shake well before using.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a natural sweetness. Honey can be used too.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.
How To Make Spinach Salad Recipe
- Cook Bacon: Fry or bake, then dice.
- Make Dressing: Shake all ingredients in a jar and chill until ready to use.
- Chop Ingredients: Slice apples and onion.
- Assemble Salad: Add spinach, apples, onion, pecans, cranberries, and bacon.
- Dress & Serve: Toss with dressing, add feta, and serve right away.
Storage
- Keep Separate: Store spinach, apples, onion, pecans, cranberries, feta, and bacon in separate containers.
- Dressing: Store in a jar and shake before using.
- Assemble Last: Add dressing and toss the salad right before serving for freshness.
Use Additional Spinach In:
Salads
Chicken Spinach Salad
Salads
Fall Pasta Salad
Soups And Stews
Italian Sausage Orzo Soup
