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Simple Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans

Elevate your meal with this Simple Spinach Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. This vibrant salad is not only quick to prepare but also a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 medium crisp apple (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, placing it in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Core and slice the apple into thin wedges; add to the bowl.
  3. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the spinach mixture along with cranberries and red onion; toss gently until well-coated.
  6. Serve immediately on plates or directly from the bowl.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 142mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or swapping pecans for walnuts. To maintain freshness, store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to two days.