Spinach Salad Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This fresh Spinach Salad recipe has it all! Crisp apples, sweet cranberries, red onion, feta, bacon, and honeyed pecans, tossed with a zesty apple-Dijon-style dressing.

Prep Time30

Total Time30

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: spinach salad, spinach salad recipe

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $10.84

Equipment

Wide-mouth Mason Jar or other sealable container
Large bowl for serving

Ingredients

Salad

6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
2 large apples see note 1
1/2 of 1 small red onion see note 2
6 cups (5.5-ounces) baby spinach
1 cup candied pecans see note 3
2/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

US - Metric

Instructions

Cook and dice bacon. Thinly slice the apples and red onion.
Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Shake well and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake again before adding to the salad.
In a large bowl, combine spinach, bacon, apples, red onion, pecans, cranberries, and feta.
This salad is best served immediately after it’s dressed, so wait to add dressing until you’re ready to serve (see note 4). Drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Add additional dressing to taste, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1: Use 1 Fuji or Honeycrisp and 1 Granny Smith apple for a nice flavor contrast.

Note 2: To mellow the onion, soak it in ice water for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then drain.

Note 3: Store-bought honey-roasted pecans are convenient, but you can also candy your own or use plain.

Note 4: Make-Ahead/Storage Tips: If making ahead, store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving. For prepping apples ahead, check the tips in this post. The dressing can be made 2–3 days in advance and kept in a jar in the fridge. If it separates, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then shake well before using.

Nutrition