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Apple Feta Spinach Salad — Fresh, Crunchy & Flavor-Packed

Fresh, vibrant, and beautifully balanced, this Apple Feta Spinach Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. With crisp apple slices, creamy feta cheese, tender spinach leaves, and a deliciously simple dressing, this salad transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. This recipe works wonderfully as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a standout addition to dinner gatherings. What makes it shine is the harmony of flavors — the sweetness of apples, the tanginess of feta, the crunch of nuts, and the freshness of spinach all come together in each bite. It’s also incredibly customizable and easy to prepare in just minutes. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week, hosting guests, or looking for a healthy meal that still feels satisfying, this Apple Feta Spinach Salad is your go-to recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 large apple Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup walnuts or pecans lightly toasted
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large salad bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving tongs

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Greens
  1. Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly. Place it into a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Slice the Apple
  1. Thinly slice the apple. If desired, toss lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3: Add the Mix-ins
  1. Add the apple slices, feta cheese, red onion, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries on top of the spinach.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to combine and enjoy fresh.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store components separately for best freshness.
Dressing can be refrigerated up to 5 days.
Slice apple right before serving to maintain crispness.
🥄 Variations
Add Protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas
Swap Nuts: Almonds or pumpkin seeds
Use Pear Instead: Pear adds a softer sweetness
Add Grains: Quinoa for extra heartiness
Vegan Option: Use plant-based feta and maple syrup
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes — massage kale leaves with a little oil first to soften.
Does this salad need the nuts?
They add crunch, but you may use seeds or omit them.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely — it stays fresh for days in a sealed jar.
What apples are best?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.
Can I make it a full meal?
Yes — add grilled chicken or quinoa.
Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese adds a creamier, tangier flavor.
How to keep apples from browning?
Toss slices in a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Can I replace honey?
Use maple syrup or date syrup.
Do I have to toast the nuts?
Toasting enhances flavor, but raw nuts also work.
Can leftovers be saved?
Keep dressing separate and add just before serving.
🏁 Conclusion
This Apple Feta Spinach Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of satisfying flavor. It’s a simple recipe that brings together wholesome ingredients in a balanced and delicious way. Whether you serve it as a side or a complete meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.