Description
A fresh and vibrant spinach salad featuring a tangy garlic Dijon dressing, crisp apple slices, crunchy toasted almonds, creamy feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. This salad combines crisp textures and bold flavors for a delightful and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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 emulsified and creamy. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Make Ahead Option: The dressing can be prepared up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, thinly sliced apple, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds over the dressed salad.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator up to 5 days; whisk before serving if oil separates.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spinach salad, apple salad, feta cheese salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, no-cook salad, toasted almonds, homemade dressing
