Appetizer & Dessert

Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette – Recipes From Chef

Name: Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette – Recipes From Chef
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 crisp, sweet apple; 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds; 10 ounces tender baby spinach leaves; 1/2 small red onion; 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds; 6 ounces creamy crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup dried cranberries and toasted pecans; 1 small garlic clove; 2 tablespoons tangy apple cider vinegar; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard

Rosa Crumley August 14, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Imagine sitting at a picnic table, the sun shining overhead, laughter surrounding you while you bite into a vibrant spinach salad bursting with life. The Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad paired with a Maple Cider Vinaigrette can easily steal the show at any gathering. But why stop there? Complement your salad with dishes that elevate the whole experience.

Consider pairing it with grilled chicken brushed with a light herb marinade. The savory crunch of the chicken balances beautifully with the fresh, crisp elements of the salad. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, serve it alongside a platter of roasted butternut squash—its subtle sweetness harmonizes with the cranberries and apples. And for a dish that really sings summer vibes, a simple cold pasta salad with pesto can add a creamy, dreamy note to your meal.

What is Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette?

This dish is a refreshing spin on traditional salads. It combines crisp baby spinach with bright, sweet apples and earthy pecans, all garnished with juicy cranberries. Drizzling it with a maple cider vinaigrette ties everything together with a lovely sweet-tart flavor that’ll awaken your taste buds.

The salad isn’t just good to eat; it’s also good for you—packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Adding every ingredient mindfully brings both flavor and nutritional value, making this salad a favorite in my kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

Several reasons highlight why this salad is a must-try, and I’m here to spill the beans—starting with the most straightforward but important one:

1. Nutrient-Packed Ingredients
Each ingredient contributes to your wellbeing. Spinach provides iron and vitamins A and C, while apples add fiber and antioxidants. Pecans bring healthy fats to the table, promoting heart health. You see, it’s like each bite is a burst of nutrition wrapped up in delightful flavor.

2. Unique Flavor Combinations
Sweet, savory, and tangy all come together. The sweetness of the apples and cranberries juxtaposes perfectly with the tang of the cider vinaigrette. The pecans add a nutty crunch, creating a texture perfectly suited to your palate.

3. Easy to Prepare
You won’t need to be a culinary genius to pull this off. The recipe calls for straightforward assembly rather than complex cooking. In just a few minutes, you can transform fresh ingredients into a vibrant, delicious salad.

4. Versatile and Adaptable
This salad can change with the seasons. Swap pecans for walnuts or cranberries for dried cherries based on what’s available. It’s a canvas for your culinary creativity!

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Now, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:

For the Salad:

1 crisp, sweet apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds for a crunchy twist
10 ounces tender baby spinach leaves
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup pomegranate seeds for extra pop
6 ounces creamy crumbled feta cheese
½ cup dried cranberries and toasted pecans

For the Maple Cider Vinaigrette:

1 small garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons tangy apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard

Gather these ingredients, and let’s jump into the fun part!

How to Make Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette

How To Make This Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette

This step-by-step guide will walk you through crafting this splendid salad.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by washing and drying the spinach leaves thoroughly. Baby spinach is delicate; a salad spinner works wonders here. Place the crispy leaves in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Fruits

Now, it’s time to bring in the stars of the show. Slice the apple thinly, ensuring each piece is beautiful and bite-sized. Toss them into the bowl. Next up, add the thinly sliced red onion. For that sweet burst, sprinkle in the pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries.

Step 3: Include the Nuts and Cheese

Top the salad with toasted pecans and roasted sunflower seeds for a dose of crunch. Finally, add dollops of creamy feta cheese. The saltiness of the feta will play beautifully against the sweet elements.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is blended beautifully. This dressing is the glue that binds your salad together!

Step 5: Dress and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss everything together until the dressing clings to each ingredient. Serve immediately for the freshest experience!

Tips & Tricks

To make your salad experience even better, consider the following:

Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your spinach and apples, the more vibrant your salad will be.
Toast your nuts: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat can elevate the taste.
Dressing on the side: If you’re preparing this ahead, consider serving the dressing on the side. This keeps the salad fresh without the risk of wilting.
Experiment with different cheeses: Feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese or even blue cheese for an added lyrical twist.
Add protein: If you’re looking for a heartier meal, grilled chicken or chickpeas can make this salad more filling.

Nutrition Information

Let’s break down the nutritional aspects. A typical serving of this salad (without additional proteins) provides approximately:

Calories: 300
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 15g
Fats: 15g (with healthy fats from pecans and olive oil)

These numbers can vary based on the specific brands used or added ingredients.

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

If you’re blessed with leftovers (or if you made a big batch for meal prep), here’s how to store them. Keep the salad and the dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The dressing can also be stored in a lidded jar for about a week.

Remember, the longer it sits, the more the spinach will wilt. So, consume it within two days for optimal freshness!

What Sides Would Complement Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette?

Grilled Chicken
A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs can seamlessly mingle with the bold flavors in your salad. The protein boosts the meal’s nutritional value while adding satisfying texture.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Add a roasted sweet potato side. The sweetness pairs beautifully with this salad and adds extra fiber and vitamin A. Slice them into rounds, toss with olive oil and salt, and roast until they’re golden brown.
Quinoa Pilaf
This light complement can be tailored with herbs, nuts, and even more dried fruits. Quinoa is a great source of protein and pairs well with the fresh elements of the salad.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Apple substitutions: Pears can be a delightful alternative. Their soft sweetness will bring a similar profile and keep the essence of the salad intact.
Spinach alternatives: Kale can work wonderfully for those who prefer a heartier green. Just massage it a bit with olive oil to soften.
Dried cranberries alternatives: Dried cherries or raisins can substitute cranberries while introducing a slightly different yet pleasant sweetness.
Feta alternatives: If you need a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Best Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette

Conclusion

There you have it—the full breakdown of the Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette! This dish is not just a salad but a joyous experience. It allows you to mix and mingle colors, flavors, and ingredients in a way that feels both artisanal and homemade. Whether for a family dinner, a summer picnic, or simply a healthy lunch, this salad serves beautifully as the centerpiece.

Armed with tips, tricks, and substitutions, you’re now ready to make this delightful dish your own. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and create something wonderful alongside friends and family. I promise, laughter, stories, and happy bellies will follow! Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad Maple Cider Vinaigrette – Recipes From Chef

Author: Rosa Crumley Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 300 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to take you on a flavorful journey through my beloved Apple Cranberry Pecan Spinach Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette. Imagine a blend of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries all nestled into a bed of fresh spinach. It’s a dish that not only looks stunning on your table but also ticks the health box effortlessly.

I've enjoyed this salad at various gatherings, and let me tell you, it has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy winter dinner, this salad stands by you throughout the seasons.