Crisp, sweet, tangy, and a little nutty; that’s exactly what I crave in a quick, fresh spinach salad. This salad with spinach, apple, pecans, and feta checks every box, from texture to flavor, and it comes together in minutes. It’s my go-to for busy lunches, easy sides, or a light dinner with a simple protein.
Contents
Healthy Spinach Salad Recipe
Spinach salad is one of the most popular green salads. You can make it in different ways with different ingredients. I decided to combine it with juicy apples, toasty pecans, and creamy feta. I’ll sometimes add thinly sliced red onion for a bite, dried cranberries for extra tart-sweet notes, or candied pecans for a touch of caramel crunch.
I love how the sweetness of the fruit balances the salty cheese and the crunch of the nuts. It’s simple but feels special. A quick balsamic dressing or apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together without overshadowing the ingredients.
This spinach salad can be enjoyed with grilled lemon chicken, seared salmon, and herb-roasted turkey. It offers freshness alongside lean proteins. You can combine it with butternut squash soup, creamy tomato soup, or a slice of mushroom pizza for a balanced, satisfying meal.
For casual lunch spreads, try it with a turkey and brie sandwich, avocado toast, or a classic quiche Lorraine for an easy brunch or picnic. The dish can also stand alone as a light meal or lunch.
Here’s how to make the spinach salad with apple, pecans, and feta:
Spinach Salad with Apple, Pecans, and Feta
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves washed and dried
- 1 apple sliced thin, preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith
- 1/2 cup pecans lightly toasted for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey optional, for sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves. Slice the apple into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. If using, slice the red onion thinly.
- In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant. (This step is optional but enhances the flavor of the pecans.)
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple slices, toasted pecans, crumbled feta, and red onion (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes if you prefer it chilled.
Notes
- Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, leave out the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Add grilled chicken or bacon bits for extra protein.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a day. Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
From this spinach salad recipe, you can make other versions by changing and adding other ingredients.
- Candied Pecan Crunch uses lightly caramelized pecans (with sugar or maple) to add shattery sweetness and extra texture.
- Savory Bacon Spin folds in crisp bacon crumbles for a smoky, salty contrast against the sweet apples and creamy feta.
- Cranberry Kiss adds dried cranberries for tart pops of flavor and a ruby color that plays well with the greens.
- Red Onion Ribbon includes thinly sliced red onion (briefly soaked in ice water) to add gentle bite without overwhelming the salad.
- Pear and Feta Twist replaces apples with ripe pears for a softer, floral sweetness that complements the feta.
- Goat Cheese Swap substitutes feta with creamy goat cheese for a tangier, silkier bite that melts into the dressing.
- Dairy-free Version uses a dairy-free cheese option.