Dessert

Spinach Salad with Apple, Feta, and Toasted Almonds Recipe

Name: Spinach Salad with Apple, Feta, and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 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

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

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Introduction

This fresh spinach salad is a perfect balance of crisp greens, sweet apple slices, and tangy feta cheese. The homemade mustard vinaigrette adds a bright, flavorful touch that’s simple to prepare and sure to please any crowd.

A fresh salad is shown in a deep white bowl on a white marbled surface, with a base layer of bright green spinach leaves. Thin slices of red-skinned apples, pale yellow inside, are scattered on top, adding a colorful contrast. Thin strips of purple-red onion are spread evenly over the salad. White crumbles of cheese, soft and crumbly in texture, are sprinkled across the whole dish. A handful of toasted almond slices, light brown with some whole almonds visible, add crunch. A glossy, golden-yellow dressing lightly coats parts of the salad, giving a fresh and appetizing shine. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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

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 fully emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced apple, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, try substituting toasted walnuts or pecans for the sliced almonds.

Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet, tart twist.
Use baby spinach for a more delicate texture, or mix in arugula for a peppery bite.
If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of garlic or shallot.

Storage

The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the salad components separate and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess. Leftover dressed salad is best eaten within one day; store uncovered in the fridge and toss before eating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a fresh salad with bright green spinach leaves as the base layer, topped with thin slices of red apple with white flesh, and thin rings of purple red onion scattered throughout. Small white crumbles of cheese are sprinkled on top, alongside light brown sliced almonds. A light yellow dressing is drizzled over the salad, adding a glossy texture. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate, and the plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small glass container of dressing visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, this salad works well with mixed greens, baby kale, or arugula for different textures and flavors.

How do I toast almonds quickly?

Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.