Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple

Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple is a fresh, colourful and easy salad made with tender baby spinach, crisp apple, sweet dried cranberries, toasted walnuts and creamy feta. Finished with a simple honey-balsamic dressing, it’s a delicious choice for lunch, a light dinner or a fresh side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple

This Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple brings together a lovely balance of sweet, savoury and tangy flavours. The crisp apple and crunchy toasted walnuts contrast beautifully with the soft spinach and creamy feta, while the honey-balsamic dressing ties everything together.

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 13 minutes.
• Fresh and colourful: Spinach, apple and cranberries create a vibrant combination.
• Great texture: Crisp apple and toasted walnuts add plenty of crunch.
• Simple dressing: Honey, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard create a bright finish.
• Versatile: Serve it as a light meal or alongside your favourite main dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Honey-Balsamic Dressing

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple

1. Toast the Walnuts

Place the roughly chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat.

Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice.

Season with salt and black pepper, then whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

3. Build the Salad

Add the fresh baby spinach to a large serving bowl.

Arrange the thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta and thinly sliced red onion over the spinach.

4. Add the Dressing

Drizzle the honey-balsamic dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.

5. Toss and Serve

Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.

Serve immediately while the spinach is fresh and the toasted walnuts remain crunchy.

Tips for the Best Spinach Salad

• Toast the walnuts: A few minutes in a dry skillet brings out their flavour and keeps them wonderfully crunchy.
• Slice the apple just before serving: This helps keep the apple crisp and fresh.
• Dress just before eating: Adding the dressing at the last moment helps prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
• Don’t over-dress the salad: Start with a little dressing and add more if needed.
• Serve immediately: The contrast between fresh spinach and crunchy walnuts is best when enjoyed straight away.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple works beautifully as a light lunch or fresh side dish.

Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish or your favourite savoury main course. It also makes a lovely addition to a larger lunch or dinner spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes. Choose a crisp apple with the level of sweetness you enjoy. A crunchy apple works especially well with the soft spinach and creamy feta.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the individual components ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and combine everything shortly before serving.

Can I use another nut instead of walnuts?

Yes. Other crunchy nuts can be used if preferred, although walnuts provide the texture and flavour specified in the recipe.

Can I leave out the feta?

Yes. The salad can be served without feta if preferred, although the feta adds a creamy and savoury element to the combination.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	3 minutes
Total Time	13 minutes
Servings	4
Calories	Approx. 285 per serving
Protein	7 g per serving

Final Thoughts

Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Walnuts & Apple is a simple salad that delivers plenty of flavour and texture without requiring much preparation. Fresh baby spinach, crisp apple, sweet cranberries, toasted walnuts and creamy feta make every bite interesting.

Finish it with the honey-balsamic dressing and serve straight away for a fresh, crunchy and satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

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