Spinach Salad
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 facet dish or a fast lunch.

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The spinach salad I can’t cease making.

I can’t take credit score for this spinach salad recipe. As an alternative, you’ll be able to direct your applause and accolades (critically, 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 chunk. I’ll depart it as much as you!
The opposite revelation? Making candied pecans is SO straightforward! I didn’t notice it wasn’t a large course of (as a result of the very last thing we wish when making a salad is a large course of) and people additional 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 Stability of Textures. I believe texture is the same as taste on the subject of placing collectively a profitable salad and this spinach salad has it down pat! Spinach leaves are extra tender than different greens, making them the proper 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 remodel the entire salad into one thing that feels restaurant-worthy.
- An Simple Aspect Salad. I really like my Arugula Salad once I’m on the lookout for a easy facet 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 facet choice.

Key Components
You’ll discover the complete listing of substances within the recipe card under, 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. Moderately than candying the pecans with sugar, this recipe makes use of maple syrup which provides taste along with sweetness.
- Pink 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. You can even use a pear should 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.
Make Spinach Salad





Sweet the Pecans (photograph 1). Cook dinner the pecans with the maple syrup and salt till glazed.
Cool (photograph 2). Unfold the pecans onto parchment paper; the glaze will harden as they cool.
Make the French dressing (photograph 3). Whisk collectively the dressing substances.
Gown the Onion and Apple (photograph 4). Toss the sliced onion and apples with a little bit of dressing. Let this sit for 10 minutes when you have time. This mellows the flavour of the onion and helps convey the flavors collectively.
End (photograph 5). Add the spinach and pecans; toss with remaining dressing and ENJOY.
Recipe Variations
- Make It a Meal. High with sliced Grilled Hen Breast or rotisserie hen.
- 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.
- Strive It Nut-Free. You’ll be able to glaze sunflower seeds or pepitas as a substitute of pecans!

What to Serve with Spinach Salad
- Pork. The apples on this spinach salad make it wonderful with pork! Strive it with Baked Pork Chops or Grilled Pork Tenderloin.
- Hen. These Rosemary Hen Thighs with a facet of this salad would make the proper fall dinner.
- Sandwiches and Burgers. Like a juicy Hen Burger, or make a vegetarian meal with a Chickpea Salad Sandwich.

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Spinach Salad
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Components
For the Spinach Salad:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ⅛ 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, equivalent to Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp – within the fall, I like 1 apple and 1 pear
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup additional virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon floor black pepper
Directions
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Make the pecans: Place the pecans in a medium skillet and prime 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.

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Make the dressing: In a liquid measuring cup with a spout or bowl, whisk collectively the oil, vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, salt, and pepper.

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Place the onion, apple, and pear in your serving bowl. High with one-third of the dressing and stir to mix. If time permits, every little thing mingle for about 10 minutes whereas the pecans proceed to chill (should you don't have time for this, no worries! I love to do it to melt the flavour of the onion a bit).

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Add the spinach and cooled pecans. Toss to coat, then moisten with further dressing as desired (watch out to not overdo it). Serve instantly.

Notes
- Be happy to make additional pecans; they retailer at room temperature for as much as 1 week.
- TO STORE: This spinach salad is greatest loved contemporary, because the greens will wilt and the apples will begin to brown after meeting. When you do have leftovers, eat them inside a day; you’ll be able to add contemporary child spinach to revive the salad a bit.



