Apple Walnut Spinach Salad Recipe

Spinach: Fresh and vibrant, providing a nutritious base for the salad.

Apples: Thinly sliced for a sweet and crisp element.

Walnuts: Chopped for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Feta cheese: Crumbled to add a tangy and creamy contrast.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp and pungent bite.

Balsamic vinaigrette: A sweet and tangy dressing to bring all the flavors together.

When preparing the spinach for this salad, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly. Excess moisture can dilute the balsamic vinaigrette and make the salad soggy. Use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible. For an added layer of flavor, you can toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly browned. This will enhance their natural nuttiness and add a delightful crunch to your apple walnut spinach salad.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale provides a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.

• apples - Substitute with pears: Pears offer a similar sweetness and crisp texture, complementing the salad well.

• walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar crunch and slightly sweet flavor, making them an excellent replacement.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture, suitable for this salad.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, enhancing the salad's taste.

• balsamic vinaigrette - Substitute with lemon vinaigrette: Lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• To keep your apple walnut spinach salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain the crispness of the spinach and the crunch of the walnuts.

• If you plan to enjoy the salad over a few days, consider storing the balsamic vinaigrette separately. This prevents the spinach from becoming soggy. Simply add the dressing when you're ready to serve.

• For the best texture, store the apples in a separate container as well. To prevent browning, toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice before storing.

• If you need to prepare the salad in advance, you can chop the walnuts and crumble the feta cheese ahead of time. Store them in small containers or resealable bags.

• When freezing, it's best to avoid freezing the entire salad as the spinach and apples may not retain their texture. However, you can freeze the walnuts and feta cheese separately. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers.

• To thaw frozen walnuts and feta cheese, simply transfer them to the refrigerator a few hours before you plan to use them. This will ensure they return to their original texture and flavor.

• If you have leftover balsamic vinaigrette, store it in a small jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to a week. Shake well before using again.

• For a quick refresh, you can lightly toss the spinach with a splash of cold water before serving. This can help revive any leaves that may have wilted slightly during storage.

• To reheat the Apple Walnut Spinach Salad, start by separating the spinach from the rest of the ingredients. This will prevent the greens from wilting and losing their fresh texture.
• Warm the apples, walnuts, and red onion in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer, you can also use a microwave. Place the apples, walnuts, and red onion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Once the toppings are warm, allow them to cool slightly before adding them back to the fresh spinach.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Add the feta cheese just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of warm toppings with fresh, crisp spinach.

• Large bowl: To combine all the salad ingredients together.

• Knife: To thinly slice the apples and red onion.

• Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for slicing the apples and red onion.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the walnuts, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette accurately.

• Salad tongs: To toss the salad ingredients with the balsamic vinaigrette.

• Serving bowl: To present the salad attractively when serving.

• Mixing spoon: To help mix the ingredients if you prefer not to use salad tongs.

Pre-wash and dry spinach: Save time by washing and drying spinach ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pre-slice apples: Slice apples in advance and store them in a mixture of water and lemon juice to prevent browning.

Toast walnuts: Toast walnuts in bulk and keep them in an airtight container for quick use.

Pre-crumbled feta: Buy pre-crumbled feta cheese to skip the crumbling step.

Pre-sliced red onion: Slice red onion ahead of time and store in the fridge to save prep time.