Apple Spinach Salad With Feta Pistachios and Dressing Recipe
This recipe for The Perfect Apple Spinach Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Crisp apples, fresh spinach, salty feta, and crunchy pistachios are tossed in a simple, tangy dressing for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal quick lunch or a light, impressive side. For another great salad idea, try the Crunchy Asian Salad With Peanut Dressing Recipe.
PrintApple Spinach Salad with Feta, Pistachios, and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing
A refreshing salad featuring fresh baby spinach, sliced apples, crumbled feta cheese, and pistachios, dressed with a simple homemade honey-mustard lemon vinaigrette made from olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced (Fuji or Honey Crisp)
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup pistachios, shelled
Instructions
- Make the salad dressing: Combine ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons honey, and 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice in a mason jar. Whisk well with a fork for 1-2 minutes until emulsified. Adjust honey or mustard to taste.
- Prepare the salad: In a large serving bowl (or 4 individual bowls), combine 5 oz fresh baby spinach, 1 large cored and sliced apple, and 4 oz crumbled feta cheese.
- Assemble: Add the salad dressing to the bowl(s) and toss to combine. Top with ⅓ cup shelled pistachios and serve immediately.
Notes
Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss slices in lemon juice. For make-ahead, store prepped ingredients separately in the fridge and assemble when ready. Substitute maple syrup for honey or lime juice for lemon if preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Apple Spinach Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead, but assemble the salad just before serving. This prevents the spinach from wilting and the apples from browning, keeping your Apple Spinach Salad with Feta, Pistachios, and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing crisp and fresh.
What are good substitutes for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese make excellent substitutes for feta. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based feta alternative or simply omit the cheese and add extra pistachios for texture.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice from the dressing recipe immediately after cutting. This acid bath preserves their color and flavor, perfectly complementing the honey-mustard lemon dressing in this salad.
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