Crunchy Apple, Pear & Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Feta & Toasted Pecans

Crunchy Apple, Pear & Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Feta & Toasted Pecans is a fresh, colourful salad that brings together crisp apple, juicy pear, tender baby spinach, sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted pecans. Fresh parsley and thinly sliced red onion add a savoury contrast to the naturally sweet fruit.

A simple honey balsamic dressing ties everything together with a bright balance of tangy balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. It is quick to prepare and especially delicious when served immediately, while the fruit remains crisp and the pecans are still crunchy.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach (180 g)
• 1 large crisp apple, thinly sliced (180 g)
• 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced (180 g)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (60 g)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)
• ½ cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped (55 g)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (30 g)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (8 g)

For the Honey Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp honey (21 g)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 g)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (1 g)
• ¼ tsp salt (1 g)
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (0.5 g)

How to Make It

1. Toast the Pecans

Place the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently so they warm evenly and do not burn. Once fragrant and lightly golden, remove them from the heat and let them cool before roughly chopping.

2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Add the fresh baby spinach to a large salad bowl. Arrange or add the sliced apple, sliced pear, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and toasted pecans.

3. Make the Honey Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

4. Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together until the spinach, fruit, cranberries, and other ingredients are evenly coated without bruising the delicate fruit.

5. Serve

Serve the salad immediately while the apples and pears are crisp and the toasted pecans remain crunchy. For the best texture, avoid dressing the salad too far in advance.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad works because every bite combines different textures and flavours. Crisp apple and juicy pear provide natural sweetness, while dried cranberries add a pleasantly chewy texture. Creamy feta and toasted pecans bring savoury richness and crunch, while baby spinach provides a fresh, tender base.

The honey balsamic dressing brings the ingredients together without overpowering them. Balsamic vinegar and lemon juice provide brightness, honey adds sweetness, and Dijon mustard gives the dressing a gentle savoury depth.

Tips for the Best Apple, Pear & Spinach Salad

• Choose crisp fruit: Use an apple that stays firm after slicing and a ripe but still slightly firm pear for the best texture.
• Toast the pecans carefully: Keep the skillet at medium heat and stir frequently, as nuts can brown quickly.
• Dress just before serving: Adding the dressing at the last moment helps keep the spinach fresh and the fruit crisp.
• Slice the fruit evenly: Thin, even slices make the salad easier to eat and help distribute the apple and pear throughout the bowl.
• Cool the pecans first: Let the toasted pecans cool before adding them so they maintain their crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This colourful salad makes a refreshing side dish for roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, sandwiches, or other light main dishes. The combination of fruit, feta, and pecans also makes it suitable for a seasonal lunch or dinner table.

For the best presentation, arrange the spinach and colourful toppings in a wide serving bowl or platter, then drizzle with the dressing immediately before serving. A final sprinkle of parsley and pecans adds a fresh finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apple works best in this salad?

A crisp apple with a good balance of sweetness and tartness works well. Choose one that holds its shape after slicing so the salad keeps its fresh texture.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes. Feta provides a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet fruit, but another crumbly cheese can be used if preferred.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the individual components ahead of time, including the dressing and toasted pecans. For the freshest texture, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving.

How can I keep the pecans crunchy?

Let the toasted pecans cool completely before adding them to the salad, and keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes. The honey balsamic dressing can be whisked together ahead of time and kept covered until needed. Give it a quick whisk again before dressing the salad.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Servings	6
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	4 minutes
Total Time	19 minutes
Calories	285
Protein	6 g
Carbohydrates	31 g
Fat	17 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	22 g
Sodium	300 mg

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Apple, Pear & Spinach Salad is an easy way to bring fresh colour, contrasting textures, and balanced flavours to the table. The combination of crisp fruit, creamy feta, sweet cranberries, and toasted pecans makes every bite satisfying without requiring complicated preparation.

With its simple honey balsamic dressing and quick preparation, this salad is a practical choice whenever you want something fresh and vibrant. Serve it immediately for the best combination of crisp fruit, tender spinach, and crunchy pecans.

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