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Winter Spinach Salad Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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

Find it online: https://dishfoody.com/winter-spinach-salad-recipe/