Winter Spinach Salad Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Winter Spinach Salad tosses tender baby spinach with pomegranate arils, crisp apple slices, creamy goat cheese, and candied pecans in bright maple-citrus vinaigrette for jewel-toned holiday side.

Ready in 15 minutes, it serves 6-8 with sweet-tart crunch and festive sparkle.

Why This Recipe Works

Pomegranate adds ruby pop without sogginess. Candied pecans deliver crunch contrast. Maple vinaigrette balances bitter greens perfectly. Apples stay crisp with lemon soak. Goat cheese melts slightly on warm elements.

Ingredients & Prep

Salad:

• 8 oz baby spinach
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup candied pecans
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin

Maple Citrus Vinaigrette:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt, pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.
2. Toss apple slices with 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Combine spinach, pomegranate, apples, onion in large bowl.
4. Drizzle vinaigrette; toss gently to coat.
5. Top with pecans and goat cheese crumbles. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Dress just before serving; components separate 1 day refrigerated.

FAQs

Apples brown?
Lemon juice soak; slice last.

Pecans soft?
Candy fresh; store airtight.

Too bitter?
More maple; sweeter apples.

Conclusion

Winter Spinach Salad sparkles holiday tables jeweled perfection.

Winter Spinach Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

A fresh and cozy winter spinach salad made with tender baby spinach, sweet apples, crunchy nuts, dried cranberries, and a warm maple balsamic dressing. Perfect as a holiday side or light winter meal.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups baby spinach
• 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
• Maple Balsamic Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• 1. In a large bowl, add spinach, apple slices, dried cranberries, nuts, and cheese if using.
• 2. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• 3. Warm dressing gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not boil).
• 4. Drizzle warm dressing over the salad just before serving.
• 5. Toss gently to coat.
• 6. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a heartier salad.
• Swap apples with pears or pomegranate seeds.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or salmon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: winter spinach salad, spinach salad with apples, holiday salad