Spinach Salad with Apple, Red Onion, Feta, and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Introduction
This fresh and vibrant spinach salad combines crisp apples, tangy feta, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together by a zesty homemade dressing. It’s a perfect light meal or a flavorful side that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove or 1/2 shallot, minced
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 apple, such as Honeycrisp, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic (or shallot), extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is well emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 2: Prepare the salad by placing fresh spinach, thinly sliced apple, and red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 3: Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted sliced almonds over the top just before serving for added creaminess and crunch.
Tips & Variations
- Make the dressing up to 5 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy meal prep.
- Try swapping apples for pears or adding dried cranberries for a different flavor twist.
- For a vegan version, replace feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Storage
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, toss the salad with dressing and toppings fresh to maintain crispness. If the spinach wilts after storage, quickly wash and dry it again before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach?
Yes, baby spinach works wonderfully in this salad and offers a tender texture that blends well with the other ingredients.
What other nuts can I use besides almonds?
Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios make excellent alternatives and add their own unique flavor and crunch to the salad.
PrintSpinach Salad with Apple, Red Onion, Feta, and Toasted Almonds Recipe
A fresh and vibrant spinach salad featuring a tangy homemade vinaigrette, crisp apple slices, red onion, creamy feta, and toasted almonds. This easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 garlic clove or 1/2 shallot, minced
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 apple, such as Honeycrisp, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic (or shallot), extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is fully emulsified, creating a smooth vinaigrette. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Make Ahead Option: The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance. Transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced apple, and red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Final Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds on top of the dressed salad for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and vibrant taste.
Notes
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.
- For a milder garlic flavor, substitute minced shallot as indicated.
- Honeycrisp apples work well for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, but any crisp apple variety can be used.
- Store leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness.
Keywords: spinach salad, spinach apple salad, healthy salad, feta cheese salad, almond salad, easy vinaigrette, fresh salad recipe
