Spinach, apple and pecan salad

This Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad combines crunchy pecans, fresh spinach, and juicy apples, all dressed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. It's a quick and nutritious dish suitable for any meal.

19 Dec 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pecans
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 stalk celery
2 cups spinach
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp mustard
2 apples
Spinach, apple and pecan salad

This Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. With a delightful mix of crunchy pecans, fresh spinach, and juicy apples, topped with a tangy homemade dressing, it's sure to be a hit. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat a small dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pecans and toast, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and mustard until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste (optional).
3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Wash and dry the spinach leaves and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Thinly slice the celery stalk and add it to the bowl with the spinach.
- Core and thinly slice the apples. Add them to the salad bowl.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss gently to evenly coat the spinach, celery, and apples with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top of the salad.
5. Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad!

This Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will leave you and your guests satisfied. The crispness of the apples and celery, combined with the richness of the pecans and the tangy dressing, make for a delightful experience. Enjoy this salad as a healthy meal or a tasty accompaniment to your favorite dishes.

Spinach, apple and pecan salad FAQ:

What type of apples work best for this salad?

Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal for this salad as they provide a nice sweet-tart balance and maintain their texture when tossed.

How long can I store leftover spinach salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes for pecans. Just be aware that this may slightly change the flavor profile of the salad.

What is the recommended serving size for this salad?

This recipe serves about 4 as a side dish or 2 as a main course. Adjust the quantities accordingly for larger gatherings.

How can I make this salad vegan?

This salad is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the mustard used is also vegan-friendly.

Tips:

- Toast the pecans: To enhance their flavor, toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are aromatic and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.

- Use fresh ingredients: For the best taste, use fresh spinach, crisp apples, and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the salad's overall flavor.

- Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little honey. For extra tanginess, increase the amount of lemon juice or vinegar.

- Prevent apple browning: To prevent the apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice immediately after cutting.

- Chill before serving: For a refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 100kcal
Protein 1.53g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2.78g
Sugar 6g
Fat 12g

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