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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Spinach Salad


Spinach Salad

Spinach salad with apple, pecans, and onion in bowl.

This Spinach Salad retains it easy with tender child spinach, crisp apples, and maple-glazed pecans, all tossed in a zippy balsamic French dressing. This can be a traditional goes-with-anything salad recipe to function a straightforward aspect dish or a fast lunch.

Spinach salad with apple, pecans, and onion in bowl.

The spinach salad I can’t cease making.

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

I can not take credit score for this spinach salad recipe. As an alternative, you may direct your applause and accolades (significantly, it’s that good) to my sister Elaine, who made this for lunch once I visited. 

This salad was so scrumptious, I instantly grabbed the recipe from her. When she made it, she unnoticed the purple onion, however I believe it provides a pleasant chew. I’ll go away it as much as you!

The opposite revelation? Making candied pecans is SO straightforward! I didn’t notice it wasn’t a huge course of (as a result of the very last thing we would like when making a salad is a huge course of) and people further couple of minutes are 100% value it. These days once I make this, I do double the candied pecans after which save the extras for salads, Yogurt Parfaits and snacking all through the week!

Let’s break down what makes this salad a giant win:

  • The Excellent Steadiness of Textures. I believe texture is the same as taste with regards to placing collectively a profitable salad and this spinach salad has it down pat! Spinach leaves are extra tender than different greens, making them the right foil to crunchy pecans and crisp apple.
  • These Pecans, Although. What actually makes this salad particular is the maple-candied pecans. They take just a few minutes on the stovetop, however they rework the entire salad into one thing that feels restaurant-worthy.
  • An Simple Facet Salad. I like my Arugula Salad once I’m searching for a easy aspect to serve with one thing like Baked Hen Thighs, and this spinach salad has joined its ranks as a goes-with-anything, comes-together-in-minutes aspect possibility.
Spinach salad in bowl with sliced apples, red onion, and candied pecans.

Key Substances

You’ll discover the complete record of substances within the recipe card beneath, however listed below are some notes to remember.

  • Child Spinach. Or use half spinach, half one other inexperienced like arugula or blended greens.
  • Pecans. For large crunch, use pecan halves as a substitute of items.
  • Maple Syrup. Reasonably than candying the pecans with sugar, this recipe makes use of maple syrup which provides taste along with sweetness.
  • Purple Onion. Thinly slice them in order that they don’t overwhelm the flavour of the opposite substances.
  • Apples. I like a sweet-crisp selection like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. It’s also possible to use a pear when you’d like. (And when it’s summertime, add this Spinach Strawberry Salad to your menu!)
  • Dressing. You’ll want olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for this straightforward salad dressing.

The best way to Make Spinach Salad

Sweet the Pecans (picture 1). Prepare dinner the pecans with the maple syrup and salt till glazed.

Cool (picture 2). Unfold the pecans onto parchment paper; the glaze will harden as they cool.

Make the French dressing (picture 3). Whisk collectively the dressing substances.

Costume the Onion and Apple (picture 4). Toss the sliced onion and apples with a little bit of dressing. Let this sit for 10 minutes when you’ve got time. This mellows the flavour of the onion and helps deliver the flavors collectively.

End (picture 5). Add the spinach and pecans; toss with remaining dressing and ENJOY.

Recipe Variations

  • Make It a Meal. Prime with sliced Grilled Hen Breast or rotisserie rooster.
  • Add Bacon. Crumble in Air Fryer Bacon for some smoky goodness.
  • Make It Tacky. Crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, and even cheddar or Parmesan can be scrumptious right here.
  • Attempt It Nut-Free. You possibly can glaze sunflower seeds or pepitas as a substitute of pecans!
Bowl of spinach salad with apples and candied pecans.

What to Serve with Spinach Salad

Spinach salad with apple, pecans, and onion in bowl.

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Spinach Salad

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This contemporary spinach salad with apples, maple-glazed pecans, purple onion and tangy balsamic dressing is straightforward, vibrant and ideal for any meal!
Course Salad
Delicacies American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Whole Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 aspect salads or 4 massive
Energy 211kcal

Substances

For the Spinach Salad:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • â…› teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ medium purple onion very thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces child spinach or half spinach, half blended greens or arugula
  • 2 sweet-crisp apples cored and thinly sliced, corresponding to Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp – within the fall, I like 1 apple and 1 pear

For the Dressing:

Directions

  • Make the pecans: Place the pecans in a medium skillet and high with the maple syrup. Warmth over medium low for 4 to five minutes, stirring usually, till the syrup thickens and coats the pecans. Stir within the salt. Pour onto a sheet of parchment paper and separate. Let harden whilst you put together the remainder of the salad.
    Candied pecans spread onto parchment-lined pan.
  • Make the dressing: In a liquid measuring cup with a spout or bowl, whisk collectively the oil, vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
    Whisk in liquid measuring cup with balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Place the onion, apple, and pear in your serving bowl. Prime with one-third of the dressing and stir to mix. If time permits, all the things mingle for about 10 minutes whereas the pecans proceed to chill (when you don't have time for this, no worries! I love to do it to melt the flavour of the onion a bit).
    Sliced apples and red onion in bowl.
  • Add the spinach and cooled pecans. Toss to coat, then moisten with further dressing as desired (watch out to not overdo it). Serve instantly.
    Tongs tossing bowl of spinach salad.

Notes

  • Be happy to make further pecans; they retailer at room temperature for as much as 1 week.
  • TO STORE: This spinach salad is finest loved contemporary, because the greens will wilt and the apples will begin to brown after meeting. If you happen to do have leftovers, eat them inside a day; you may add contemporary child spinach to revive the salad a bit.

Vitamin

Serving: 1(of 8) | Energy: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fats: 16g | Saturated Fats: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 3g | Monounsaturated Fats: 10g | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2693IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg
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