This spinach salad is fresh and crisp, and the blue cheese adds a nice creamy savory flavor that pairs well with the apples and tart cranberries.
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What makes a good spinach salad? A great spinach salad balances fresh greens, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. Think crisp apples, crunchy pistachios, and creamy blue cheese tossed in a tangy shallot vinaigrette.
For this recipe, you can enjoy your spinach salad as a hearty main course with grilled chicken or tofu or as a refreshing side dish for sandwiches or burgers. You can also present it for special occasions.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Fresh spinach: It's mildly sweet, tender, and crisp. Look for vibrant green leaves.
- Blue cheese: This is a bold, creamy cheese with a tangy, blue-veined flavor.
- Pistachios: For crunch.
- Dried cranberries: Will add chewiness and tartness.
- Fresh apples: Use granny smith for their sourness and fuji or their sweetness.
- Shallot vinaigrette: You'll need red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, a small shallot, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Spinach Salad
Make the vinaigrette by combining the vinegar, shallot, dijon, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. There should be no pools of olive oil.
Add the vinaigrette to the spinach. Toss to coat evenly.
Add thinly sliced apples.
Lightly toss to combine and get a bit of the dressing on the apples.
Helpful tip: Use a mandolin slicer to get consistent thin slices—fast! Use prewashed fresh spinach in a bag to make the prep work effortless.
Tips for the Perfect Spinach Salad
- Timing is everything: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the apples from browning.
- Balance the flavors: Add a touch of honey (or pure maple syrup) to your vinaigrette for a sweeter twist, or a splash of apple cider vinegar in place of red wine for a tangier profile.
- Crunch factor: Toasted nuts or seeds add a delightful crunch. Consider pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Presentation matters: Arrange the salad artfully on a platter for a visually appealing dish.
Recipe Variations + Ideas
- Swap the apple: Try pears or grapes for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese alternatives: Experiment with other cheeses like Gorgonzola, feta, or goat cheese.
- Add protein: Incorporate grilled chicken or smoked salmon for a heartier meal.
- Boost the crunch: Add some chopped celery or red onion for added texture.
- Flavorful additions: Try dried cherries, figs, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
- Herbaceous touch: Fresh herbs like mint, dill, or chives can elevate the salad's flavor.
More Crave-Worthy salads to try
- Blackberry Chicken Salad with Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Kohlrabi Salad with Cucumber and Lime
- Red Cabbage Salad with Greek Dressing
- Steak Salad with Pickled Fennel and Parmesan
- Chopped Italian Salad in a Jar (Meal Prep)
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette
- Marinated Cauliflower Salad
Spinach Salad with Apple and Blue Cheese Recipe
The best spinach salad recipe with fresh spinach, blue cheese, pistachios, and tart cranberries. Perfect as a main course or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Salads
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (6 oz) bag fresh spinach
- 1 medium Fuji apple, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (or dried cherries)
- ⅓ cup whole, unsalted, raw pistachios, lightly chopped
- 4 oz blue cheese
Shallot Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup ((optional))
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette by combining the vinegar, Dijon, shallot, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add pure maple syrup for a sweeter dressing.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. There should be no pools of olive oil, place it aside.
- Add prewashed spinach to a large bowl. Add the shallot vinaigrette to the spinach. Toss to coat evenly. Add thinly sliced apples. Lightly toss again to get a bit of the dressing on the apples.
- For roasted pistachios: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread pistachios on a baking sheet. Roast for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool before chopping.
- Divide the spinach with apples into 4 bowls or 1 large serving bowl. Top with pistachios, cranberries, and blue cheese. Enjoy right away.
Rhon says
So fresh and delicious.