Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe

This Apple Almond Feta Spinach Salad combines crisp apple slices and fresh spinach with tangy feta and crunchy almonds dressed in a zesty honey-vinegar drizzle. It finds its niche among Spinach Salad Recipes, offering a visually stunning, refreshing medley of flavors that invite truly warm sharing with friends and family.

I’ve always been on the hunt for a salad that has a bit of crunch, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of fresh flavors all in one. When I first tried this Apple Feta Spinach Salad, I knew I had found something really special.

It starts with a generous handful of 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves that serve as the perfect base. Then, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple adds a burst of sweetness and juice that pairs perfectly with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese for that tangy twist.

I mix in 1/3 cup roasted slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch and top it off with a simple dressing made from 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey, with just the right amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This salad really bridges the gap between a light side dish and an enticing dinner salad.

Try it out if you’re looking for something different yet familiar.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few different reasons. First, I like how crunchy it is. The slivered almonds and crisp apple slices give it a refreshing texture that makes every bite really enjoyable. Second, the flavor mix is just perfect for me. I love that the sweet apple, tangy feta, and fresh spinach come together to create a taste thats both light and satisfying. Third, this salad is super easy to put together. I can toss it all together in no time and still feel like I cooked something special. Lastly, even though its really simple, it always looks extra fancy, which makes eating healthy feel a bit more fun.

Ingredients

• Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fibre making it very healthy and crisp.
• Honeycrisp apple slices add a sweet, juicy crunch with lots of vitamin C.
• Feta cheese brings a tangy creaminess while providing protein and calcium benefits.
• Roasted almonds add a nutty crunch and pack healthy fats and vitamin E.
• Extra virgin olive oil gives healthy fats and balances flavors with fruity notes.
• Apple cider vinegar delivers a tangy kick and aids digestion while brightening tastes.
• Honey provides natural sweetness balancing the tartness of the dressing.
• Salt and pepper enhance flavors with just the right seasoning boosting overall taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp works best)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup roasted slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Rinse the baby spinach leaves and pat ’em dry with a paper towel.

2. Thinly slice the apple, removing the core, preferably using a sharper knife than usual for even slices.

3. In a big salad bowl, mix the spinach and apple slices together so they get nicely spread out.

4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top.

5. Toss in the roasted slivered almonds for that extra crunch.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until they combine well.

7. Season your dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir again.

8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad evenly, try not to use too much in one spot.

9. Gently toss the salad to make sure all the flavors mix well, but careful not to squish the apple slices.

10. Taste it one more time and adjust any seasoning if needed, then serve immediately while its fresh.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander for rinsing the spinach
2. Paper towels for drying the spinach
3. Cutting board for slicing the apple
4. Sharp knife for thin, even apple slices
5. Large salad bowl for mixing the ingredients
6. Small bowl for whisking the dressing
7. Whisk to combine the dressing ingredients
8. Salad tongs or a fork to gently toss the salad

FAQ

Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of fresh baby spinach leaves, you could use arugula or mixed greens. They have a slightly different taste but work just fine in the salad.
• If you cant find a Honeycrisp apple, a tart green apple or even a ripe pear can do the trick.
• Rather than crumbled feta cheese, try substituting with goat cheese or ricotta salata. They bring a creamy, tangy flavor too.
• Roasted slivered almonds can be swapped with roughly chopped walnuts or pecans if those are what you have on hand.
• In a pinch, if you dont have apple cider vinegar, a splash of lemon juice can work as a good alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to really dry your spinach well before you toss it in the bowl cause any extra water can make your dressing all diluted and soggy.
2. Use a super sharp knife when slicing the apple so the pieces come out even and not mushy; if it slips, you might end up with uneven bits.
3. If your almonds aren’t roasted already, a quick toss in a hot pan for a minute or two can really amp up their crunch and flavor, but watch them so they dont burn.
4. To get your dressing mixed perfectly, put the vinegar, olive oil and honey in a jar and give it a good shake; this helps to blend the flavors properly every time.