Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe

This Apple Almond Feta Spinach Salad blends crisp spinach, tart apple slices, tangy feta and crunchy almonds into a refreshing medley of textures and flavors. A lightly sweet, zesty dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and honey ties everything together, offering a taste sensation perfect for any healthy meal.

I came up with this Apple Feta Spinach Salad recipe when I was looking for a dish that was both healthy and super flavorful. I use 4 cups of baby spinach leaves as my base, which are packed with iron and vitamin K.

Then I add thinly sliced Granny Smith apple for a sweet crisp texture and a boost of fiber. I mix in crumbled feta cheese for protein and a tangy twist alongside toasted sliced almonds that give a satisfying crunch and provide healthy fats.

A few thinly sliced red onion rings add a mild bite that really rounds out the flavors. I dress it all with extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of honey which helps bring all the ingredients together.

This salad offers you a balanced mix of nutrients and is a great option for dinner or as a hearty side dish. Enjoy trying out this nutritious recipe!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the mix of crunchy toasted almonds and crisp apple slices gives this salad a cool texture that keeps things interesting with every bite.
2. I really enjoy the way the sweet apple and tangy feta cheese come together – its like a flavor explosion that makes my taste buds happy.
3. I appreciate that it’s super easy to make so I can whip it up quickly when I’m feeling rushed but still want something healthy.
4. I also like that its versatile; sometimes I add red onions for a sharper bite, but even without them its still amazing.

Ingredients

• Spinach is packed with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants for a nutritious base.
• Granny Smith apples offer zesty tartness and crunch, rich in fiber and vitamin C.
• Feta cheese adds creamy texture and salty flavor while providing protein and calcium.
• Sliced almonds deliver crunch, healthy fats and fiber for an extra bite.
• Red onions bring a mild bite and antioxidants that elevate overall flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil supplies fats that help your heart and smooth texture in dressings.
• Apple cider vinegar adds tang and helps balance flavors, aiding digestion overall.
• Honey gives a natural sweetness that perfectly contrasts the salad’s tangy elements.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 of a red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Place 4 cups of baby spinach leaves in a large salad bowl.

2. Core and thinly slice 1 large Granny Smith apple and add them to the spinach.

3. If you like a little bite, thinly slice 1/4 of a red onion and toss it in as well.

4. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.

5. Add 1/3 cup of toasted sliced almonds to bring in the crunch.

6. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey.

7. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

9. Give everything a good toss, being careful not to crush the apple slices.

10. Enjoy your fresh and delicious Apple Feta Spinach Salad right away!

Equipment Needed

1. Large salad bowl
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife (or apple corer if you have one)
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Small bowl for the dressing
7. Stirring utensil (like a spoon)

FAQ

Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the spinach, you can use arugula or mixed greens which gives a slightly different flavor but still stays fresh.
• If you dont have a Granny Smith apple, try a tart Honeycrisp or even a firm pear for a similar crunch.
• If feta cheese is hard to come by, goat cheese is a good substitute that still gives a tangy kick.
• When it comes to almonds, walnuts or pecans work okay as substitutes, adding a similar crunch.
• You can swap apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar if thats all you have on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Pro tip: If you can, use a salad spinner to dry your spinach real well before tossing everything together. It helps the dressing coat the leaves evenly and stops it from being all soggy.
2. When slicing the apple, try to get them super thin and toss them in last so they don’t turn all brown from the dressing.
3. Toast your almonds just a bit before using them and let them cool completely. They add a great crunch and if they’re warm, they can wilt down the salad a bit.
4. If you wanna mix up the flavors a bit, consider adding a tiny squeeze of lemon or even a pinch more salt and pepper to boost the taste even more.