Spinach Salad with Apple, Feta, and Toasted Almonds Recipe

Introduction

This fresh and vibrant spinach salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. With a tangy homemade dressing, crisp apple slices, and creamy feta, it’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Rinse and dry the fresh spinach thoroughly, then place it in a large salad bowl.
4. Step 4: Add the thinly sliced apple and red onion to the spinach.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted sliced almonds on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make the dressing up to 5 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container for convenience.
• For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Swap sliced almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different crunch profile.
• Use baby spinach for a more tender texture or a mix of greens for variety.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled for up to 5 days. Toss salad with dressing just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp. Reheat is not recommended for this salad.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, white balsamic or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes, but they will slightly alter the flavor profile.

How do I toast almonds properly?

Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant—usually about 3-5 minutes. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

Spinach Salad with Apple, Feta, and Toasted Almonds Recipe

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4.9 from 597 reviews

A fresh and vibrant spinach salad featuring a tangy garlic vinaigrette, crisp apple slices, sharp red onion, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds. This easy-to-make salad combines crisp textures and bright flavors, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish to complement any meal.

• Author: Isabella
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1 garlic clove or 1/2 shallot, minced
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 5 oz 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

1. 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 dressing is fully emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring well to combine all flavors.
2. Make Ahead Option: The dressing can be prepared up to 5 days in advance. To store, transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use, ensuring the flavors meld and stay fresh.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, place the fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced apple, and red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds over the dressed salad for added creaminess and crunch, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp or other crisp, sweet apples for the best flavor contrast with the tangy dressing.
• To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden, about 3-5 minutes. Cool before adding to salad.
• The dressing can be modified by substituting shallot for garlic if preferred for milder flavor.
• For a gluten-free diet, ensure all ingredients, especially mustard and vinegar, are certified gluten-free.
• To add protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Keywords: spinach salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, apple salad, feta salad, almond salad, no-cook, easy salad, vegetarian salad