Description
For the Salad
6 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 apple, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Lemon Dressing
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, red onion, and apple slices (if using).
Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cooking Time: 0 minutes, Total Time: 10 minutes, Kcal: 250 per serving, Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and one minced garlic clove. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Toast the Nuts: If your nuts are not pre-toasted, place 1/4 cup of walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly.
3. Prepare the Salad Components: Thinly slice 1/4 of a red onion. If using, thinly slice half an apple. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese. Measure out 1/3 cup of dried cranberries and 6 cups of baby spinach.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the baby spinach as the base. Artfully arrange the red onion, apple slices (if using), dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared lemon dressing over the salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad until all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant spinach salad is incredibly versatile. For a light lunch, serve it with a side of crusty bread or a warm soup. It makes a perfect side dish for grilled chicken, salmon, or a savory quiche. To turn it into a heartier main course, add a protein like grilled shrimp, sliced chicken breast, or chickpeas. For a festive touch during the holidays, serve it in individual portions on chilled plates.
How-to Summary
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic for the dressing. In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, red onion, and optional apple. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep the components separately. Keep the dressing, nuts, and chopped ingredients in sealed containers in the fridge. Assemble and dress just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.
What can I use instead of feta cheese? Goat cheese crumbles offer a similar tangy profile. For a dairy-free option, try vegan feta or omit the cheese entirely.
How do I prevent the apple slices from browning? Toss the apple slices in a little extra lemon juice from the dressing recipe before adding them to the salad.
Can I use a different green? Absolutely. Arugula, mixed spring greens, or kale (massaged first) are excellent substitutes for spinach.
Is there a substitute for honey in the dressing? Yes, maple syrup works perfectly for a vegan version. Agave nectar is another suitable alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overdressing the salad, as it will make the spinach soggy. Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more as needed. Do not add the dressing until you are ready to serve. Using stale nuts or pre-chopped onions that are too strong can overpower the salad’s balance. Always taste your dressing and adjust seasoning before adding it to the greens.
Conclusion
This Spinach Salad with Lemon Dressing is a celebration of textures and flavors, combining sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements in one bowl. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing high-quality, fresh ingredients to shine. Whether you need a quick weeknight side or an elegant starter, this reliable recipe delivers a nutritious and delicious result every time. Mastering the balance of the dressing and the timing of assembly are the keys to perfection.
