Description
A fresh and colorful spinach salad loaded with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted almonds, crisp apples, feta cheese, and a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy dinner addition.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach, then place it into a large salad bowl.
- Add the dried cranberries, toasted almonds, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced apple to the bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately while the almonds remain crunchy and fresh.
Notes
- For a creamier flavor, substitute goat cheese for feta cheese.
- Candied pecans or walnuts can replace the almonds.
- Add grilled chicken, turkey, salmon, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Sliced pears work well instead of apples for a sweeter variation.
- Store dressing separately to keep the spinach crisp longer.
- This salad is best served fresh and cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
