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Looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s both healthy and delicious? This Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy flavors. Made with crisp apple slices, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple homemade dressing, this salad is a quick and easy dish you’ll want to make again and again!

This Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is amazing! So colorful, festive and delicious!

Why You’ll Love Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Burst of Flavor – This salad has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, salty, and nutty flavors. The apples bring natural sweetness, the cranberries add tartness, and the feta cheese gives it a creamy, salty contrast.
Quick & Easy – You can make this salad in just five minutes with simple ingredients. No cooking required, just chop, toss, and enjoy!
Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Spinach is rich in iron, apples are full of antioxidants, and walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3s.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making a light lunch, a holiday side dish, or a potluck contribution, this salad is always a hit. It looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Customizable – You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. Swap the walnuts for pecans, use goat cheese instead of feta, or add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Is there anything as refreshing as a mouthwatering salad? This Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad will awaken your taste-buds. The sweet apples, tart cranberries, decadent olive oil and vinegar dressing, salty feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts make for a flavor explosion. All atop a bed of tender baby spinach, this salad is not one to be missed.

Ingredients for Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Baby spinach – The fresh, tender base of this salad, packed with vitamins and minerals.
Apple – Adds natural sweetness and crisp texture; any variety works, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are especially delicious.
Dried cranberries – Provide a tart contrast to the sweet apple and creamy feta.
Walnuts – Bring crunch and a boost of heart-healthy fats.
Feta cheese – Adds a creamy, salty element that ties all the flavors together.
Extra-virgin olive oil – Forms the base of the simple, healthy dressing.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Are you drooling already? This Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad sounds like something from five-star restaurant, but can be made in your own kitchen in just five minutes. It is hard to believe with these amazing flavors you can have your salad ready in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, your family, or yourself, this recipe is a sure-fire hit. With a homemade dressing and a combination of delicious tastes, this salad would be perfect for lunch or dinner.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Large salad bowl – Perfect for tossing all the ingredients together evenly.
Small bowl or cup – Used to mix the dressing before adding it to the salad.
Measuring cups and spoons – Helps with accurate ingredient portions.
Fork or whisk – Used to mix the olive oil and vinegar into a smooth dressing.
Knife and cutting board – Essential for slicing the apple into thin, even pieces.

Quick and easy to make, this dish packs a nutritional punch. Spinach is an excellent source of iron and calcium, providing energy efficiency and bone health benefits. Rich in dietary fiber, the crisp sliced apple provides important antioxidants. The cranberries improve immune function while the walnuts are a wonderful plant source of anti-inflammatory Omega-3s. The feta cheese provides B vitamins and some extra calcium.

No need for store-bought dressings with this recipe, which can include extra calories, sugar, sodium, and saturated fats. Making dressing at home doesn’t have to be a major project. In just five minutes, you have not only a great salad but an unbelievable homemade dressing as well. This recipe keeps your salad healthy and delicious by combining cholesterol-reducing olive oil and blood sugar normalizing apple cider vinegar. No need to take a trip to the grocery store for a bottled dressing, just toss and enjoy!

How To Make Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Whisk the olive oil and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the dressing.
Place the baby spinach in a large salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top.
Toss the spinach gently to coat it evenly with the dressing.
Add the sliced apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
Give the salad a final toss to mix all the ingredients together.
Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish!

Ready in five minutes and healthy, this dish makes a great side salad addition to any meal, but is also filling enough to be a stand-alone main course. On days you want to have a satisfying and delectable meal without too much time in the kitchen or standing over a hot stove, this Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a great option. Whether you’re craving salty or sweet, this flavorful salad is sure to leave you satisfied.

With this Spinach Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad, healthy doesn’t have to boring, flavorless, or ordinary. This fresh and nutrient-packed dish isn’t just wholesome, it is delicious! Only taking minutes, this apple and cranberry delight would be a festive addition to any gathering, but is quick and easy enough for the everyday.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch with a slice Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread or a cup of Classic Chinese Egg Drop Soup.
Pair it with Juicy Italian Dressing Chicken Kabobs, Crispy Garlic Butter Salmon Belly in Air Fryer, or Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Add it as a festive side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
Top with extra Crunchy Roasted Walnuts or Crispy Air Fried Pumpkin Seeds for added crunch.
Enjoy it as a refreshing summer salad with a cold glass of Refreshing Homemade Iced Green Tea or Classic Old-Fashioned Lemonade Made from Scratch.

Tips For Success

Choose the right apples – Crisp and slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best. If you prefer a tart flavor, try Granny Smith apples.
Slice apples thinly – Thin slices blend better with the other ingredients and make each bite well-balanced.
Prevent apples from browning – If making ahead, toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Use fresh baby spinach – Look for bright green, crisp leaves. If the spinach looks wilted, soak it in ice water for a few minutes to revive it.
Toast the walnuts for extra flavor – Lightly toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes enhances their natural nuttiness.
Dress just before serving – To keep the spinach from wilting, toss the salad with the dressing right before serving.
Customize to your taste – Swap feta for goat cheese, add pecans instead of walnuts, or sprinkle in some sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
Make it a meal – Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Change up the cheese – If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese for a creamier texture or blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
Swap the nuts – Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
Make it dairy-free – Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Add protein – Make this salad a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
Try different greens – Substitute spinach with arugula, kale, or mixed greens for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Use fresh cranberries – If you want a more tart flavor, swap dried cranberries for fresh ones, or try pomegranate seeds.
Make it sweeter – Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup into the dressing for a touch of natural sweetness.
Switch up the dressing – Try balsamic vinaigrette, lemon dressing, or a honey mustard dressing instead of apple cider vinegar.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers – Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Since the dressing can make the spinach wilt, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Keeping apples fresh – To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before storing.
Make-ahead tips – You can prep the ingredients in advance by slicing the apples, measuring the cranberries and walnuts, and making the dressing. Keep everything separate and assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
Avoid freezing – This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of spinach and apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance by slicing the apples, measuring out the walnuts and cranberries, and making the dressing. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp.

What type of apples work best in this salad?

Sweet and crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work great. If you prefer a tart contrast, Granny Smith apples are a good option.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you don’t like feta, try goat cheese for a milder, creamier texture, or blue cheese for a more intense flavor.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even quinoa to turn this into a more filling meal.

Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?

Yes! Simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

Can I use a different dressing?

Of course! While apple cider vinegar and olive oil complement the flavors beautifully, you can also use balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or a citrus-based dressing.

How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This helps slow down the oxidation process and keeps them fresh longer.

If you like this spinach apple cranberry walnut salad, you will also like these other healthy recipes that use spinach:

Spinach Lunch Bowl – awesome veggie bowl with chickpeas, spinach, sweet potatoes and brown rice!
5-Ingredient Spinach Lasagna – so quick and easy to put together, this is the laziest lasagna ever!
Spinach Salad With Candied Pecans – another festive spinach salad with pecans, cranberries, oranges and avocado!
Lentil Spinach Soup – nourishing healthy soup that is very easy to make!
Turkey Spinach Meatballs – add spinach to meatballs for a healthy and yummy twist!

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