Apple Feta Spinach Salad Recipe – Simple, Flavorful, Fresh!

Apple Feta Spinach Salad is the answer to that age-old question: “What can I toss together in 15 minutes that’s still healthy, satisfying, and fancy enough to impress my in-laws or Instagram followers?” This vibrant, crisp salad is a flavor-packed blend of sweet apples, tangy feta, earthy greens, crunchy pecans, and chewy cranberries—all kissed with a maple Dijon vinaigrette that’s so good, you might be tempted to drink it straight from the jar (no judgment here).

Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, hosting brunch, or just trying to survive another weekday dinner with picky eaters in tow, this salad shows up and shows off. It’s ridiculously easy to make, but tastes like something you’d get from that cute bistro downtown where everything costs double. And yes, it’s always the first thing to vanish from the bowl.

Table of Contents

What is Apple Feta Spinach Salad?

Apple Feta Spinach Salad is a refreshing and well-balanced dish that combines the natural sweetness of apples, the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, and the leafy goodness of fresh spinach (or a spring mix if that’s what’s in your fridge). Toss in toasted pecans for some crunch and dried cranberries for a hint of tart chew, then drizzle it all with a light homemade maple vinaigrette. It’s like fall and summer had a delicious baby.

While it may sound like the kind of salad you’d find at a fancy cafe, it’s a total breeze to whip up at home—and frankly, it’s better that way. You can adjust it to your liking, prep it ahead, or throw it together last minute. It’s a go-to side that’s versatile enough for any season, and if you top it with grilled chicken or chickpeas, it easily turns into a complete meal. One forkful and you’ll understand why this one’s a crowd favorite.

Reasons to Try Apple Feta Spinach Salad

First off, it’s quick. Like, toss-it-together-in-your-kitchen-while-the-kids-are-arguing-about-nothing quick. This Apple Feta Spinach Salad only takes 15 minutes, start to finish. No stove, no oven, no fancy tools—just you, a cutting board, and a mason jar. Second, the flavors here are doing the most in the best way: crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy all dancing together in every bite.

Plus, it’s packed with ingredients that sound fancy but are totally pantry-friendly. Not to mention, this salad is super adaptable—swap in pears, goat cheese, or walnuts based on what you’ve got. And let’s talk about presentation: it’s gorgeous. We’re talking “pull out your phone and snap a pic” pretty. Oh, and did we mention it’s a great way to sneak leafy greens into dinner without complaints? Whether you’re trying to eat better or just survive dinner without another casserole, this salad has your back.

Ingredients Needed to Make Apple Feta Spinach Salad

• 5 ounces fresh spinach (or spring greens mix)
• 2 small apples (cored and thinly sliced)
• ¼ red onion (thinly sliced, about ½ cup)
• ½ cup pecan halves (toasted)
• ⅔ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ½ cup dried cranberries

For the Maple Dijon Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Generous pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions to Make Apple Feta Spinach Salad

Making this Apple Feta Spinach Salad is as easy as it is delicious. Follow this step-by-step breakdown for flawless results every time.

Prep the Red Onion (Optional but Recommended)

If raw red onions are a bit too bold for your crew, here’s a simple trick: soak the thinly sliced onion in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes. This takes the edge off the sharp bite. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel before tossing them in the salad. Trust us, it’s a small step with a big payoff.

Mix the Salad Ingredients

Grab a large serving bowl (because you’ll want room to toss everything well). Add your spinach or spring mix, thinly sliced apples, drained red onion, toasted pecans, feta crumbles, and dried cranberries. The colors alone are enough to make your kitchen look like a Pinterest board.

Make the Maple Dijon Dressing

In a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid, pour in the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Screw that lid on tight and shake it like you’re making a cocktail. This dressing is sweet, tangy, and slightly creamy—basically salad gold. You can also whisk it in a bowl if shaking’s not your thing.

Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the maple vinaigrette over your salad. Start with about half, give everything a gentle toss, and add more dressing to taste. You want every leaf lightly coated, not drowning. Serve it up immediately for max crunch and flavor. Bonus points if you’ve got a wooden salad bowl—it just hits different.

Want more salad inspo? You’ll love our Rainbow Orzo Salad or Zesty Italian Pasta Salad too.

What to Serve with Apple Feta Spinach Salad

This salad plays well with just about everything. It’s light enough to go alongside heavier dishes, but flavorful enough to hold its own. Serving it with grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops makes it a complete meal. Hosting brunch? Pair it with Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls or No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna for a sweet-savory combo. For a cozy fall dinner, it complements soups or casseroles beautifully—especially something like our Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole. It’s a solid addition to potlucks and picnics, too. Bonus: it won’t wilt into a sad soggy mess after an hour on the table.

Key Tips for Making Apple Feta Spinach Salad

Slice those apples right before serving to keep them from browning, or toss them in a little lemon juice if you’re prepping ahead. Toast your pecans for 5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat—they’ll smell nutty and taste extra amazing. Want to lighten things up? Sub in goat cheese for feta, or use a mix of greens to change up the flavor. If you’re dealing with salad skeptics (aka picky eaters), keep the dressing separate and let them drizzle it themselves—sometimes the “build-your-own” salad bar approach wins them over. And while store-bought dressing is fine, nothing beats the homemade maple vinaigrette. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and you’ll want it on everything from now on.

Storage and Reheating Tips Apple Feta Spinach Salad

Let’s be real: salads aren’t known for lasting long, especially once dressed. If you want to prep this ahead, assemble the salad (minus the dressing and apples) and store it in an airtight container for up to 8 hours. Keep the apples sliced and in lemon water until you’re ready to mix. The dressing can be made 3–4 days ahead and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar. Just give it a good shake before using. If you happen to have leftovers, store them in the fridge—but eat them within a day. Once dressed, the greens will wilt fast. If you’re planning for meal prep, keep all the components separate and assemble when ready. It’s salad—no reheating needed!

FAQs

Can I make this Apple Feta Spinach Salad vegan?
Sure can! Swap the feta for a plant-based crumble and make sure your maple syrup is vegan (most are).

What apples work best?
Honeycrisp and Fuji are great because they’re sweet, crunchy, and hold their shape. Avoid super-soft apples like Red Delicious.

Can I use bottled dressing?
You could, but the homemade maple vinaigrette takes two minutes and makes a world of difference. Totally worth it.

What nuts can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts or slivered almonds work well. For a nut-free option, try roasted pumpkin seeds.

Can I add protein?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make this a filling main dish.

Final Thoughts

Apple Feta Spinach Salad is one of those recipes that delivers way more than it promises. It’s a quick, easy, and totally satisfying dish that works for weeknights, holidays, and everything in between. With fresh ingredients, a bold homemade dressing, and that magical combo of textures and flavors, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. Want more salad magic in your life? Check out our Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas Salad for a protein-packed lunch idea. And remember, with a salad this good, you don’t need a “main dish” to impress.

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