A sweet and crunchy salad with spinach, apple, feta, and cranberries. This delicious salad is a different take on your traditional green salad, and it’s gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

One of my favorite ways to get all my nutrients is by having a salad. They are a quick, easy, convenient, and refreshing way of boosting your veggie intake.

But after a couple of days or weeks of having the same old green salad, it can get quite boring.

One day, when I was struggling to get my veggies in, I decided there had to be another way to turn a regular salad into something special. And so I threw together my favorite ingredients and this salad was born.

It’s the perfect combination of sweet, crispy apple, creamy feta, and fresh baby spinach. All mixed with a delicious Dijon, apple cider vinegar, and honey dressing.

So, this one is a favorite amongst the kids too. Even picky eaters love the sweet hints of the cranberries, mixed with the creamy feta, and the delicious dressing.

This is the perfect side dish to have when you need to whip up something quick, if you have a dinner party, or if you are looking to make a delicious lunch for yourself. The combination of these ingredients makes it a lot more special, even though it’s very easy to make.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Baby spinach, rinsed (4 cups) – You can swap spinach for arugula or mixed greens for a different twist.

Gala apple, diced (1) – Try Honeycrisp or Fiji apples for a similar flavor. But you can also use Granny Smith if you want a tart note.

Dried cranberries (1/2 cup) – Replace with golden raisins or pomegranate seeds to add some variation.

Chopped almonds (3 tbsp) – Walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds are great alternatives.

Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup) – For a vegan option, swap feta with crumbled vegan cheese or roasted chickpeas to add some texture.

DRESSING

Olive oil (1/4 cup) – If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil. And, if you want to boost its nutrient profile, try using extra virgin olive oil.

Honey (1 tbsp) – You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar. For a low-carb option, replace it with sugar-free maple syrup.

Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup) – While you could use balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar, I recommend keeping the apple cider vinegar since it gives it a unique flavor.

Dijon mustard (2 tsp) – You can use whole grain (love this option!) or spicy mustard.

How to Make Spinach Feta Apple Salad

Step 1. Grab a small bowl and add all the dressing ingredients.

Step 2. Give the ingredients a good stir.

Step 3. In a large bowl, add the spinach.

Step 4. Add the rest of the salad ingredients: apples, almonds, cranberries, and feta.

Step 5. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6. Drizzle the dressing and toss it one more time. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

What I Would Serve with This Spinach Feta Apple Salad

• Pair it with grilled salmon, chicken, or steak.
• Serve it along with a nice warm bowl of soup, such as creamy tomato or butternut squash.
• Add some garlic bread.
• Have it with a comforting bowl of pasta.

My Tips & Tricks

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp apples and fresh spinach to ensure bright and vibrant flavors.
2. Massage the Spinach: Before serving the spinach, try massaging it with a bit of lemon juice or olive oil. This can reduce its bitter flavors and improve its texture.
3. Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast the almonds before adding them to increase their texture and aroma.
4. Dress Lightly: Add the dressing gradually and toss to coat evenly. You can always serve some extra dressing on the side for those who like a bit more.

Other Salads

• Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
• Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese
• Italian Chicken Pasta Salad