Spinach Salad and Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. The apples and pears bring natural sweetness, the nuts add crunch, and the cheese provides creaminess. The homemade dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering them. It’s easy to make, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad

• 8–10 cups baby spinach or other greens
• 1 apple, cored and finely chopped
• 1 pear, cored and finely chopped
• ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts (or other nuts)
• ¼ lb crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese

Dressing

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, add spinach, apple, pear, nuts, and cheese.
2. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and no cooking is required, making it ready in 15 minutes total.

Variations

• Use mixed greens instead of spinach.
• Swap apples and pears for berries, oranges, or dried cranberries.
• Try pecans, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Replace feta with shaved Parmesan or fresh mozzarella.
• Add grilled chicken or salmon to make it a full meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store salad and dressing separately for best results. The salad (without dressing) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week shake before using. Once dressed, the salad is best eaten immediately.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep the ingredients and dressing separately, then toss together just before serving.

Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, but homemade dressing gives a fresher, more balanced flavor.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

What apples work best for this salad?

Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best.

Can I toast the nuts?

Yes, lightly toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and crunch.

How do I keep the apples and pears from browning?

Toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar work as substitutes.

Is goat cheese better than feta for this salad?

Both work well it depends on whether you prefer the tangy creaminess of goat cheese or the briny saltiness of feta.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, simply scale up all the ingredients to serve more people.

What main dishes pair best with this salad?

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or vegetarian mains like stuffed squash.

Conclusion

This spinach salad with apples, pears, nuts, cheese, and a homemade honey-vinaigrette is a fresh and flavorful dish that complements any meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

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