This spinach salad is fresh and crisp, and the blue cheese adds a nice creamy, savory flavor that pairs well with the sweet apples and shallot vinaigrette.
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Lately, I've been gravitating towards fresh spinach in my salads. It's such a practical green – mild-flavored and versatile, pairing well with so many ingredients. Plus, it's been a nice break from my Shirazi salad, which I make literally 3 to 4 times a week!
Is raw spinach better for you than lettuce? While romaine lettuce has its own benefits, such as providing a comparable amount of vitamin A, spinach offers a greater nutritional advantage. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, far exceeding what you typically find in lettuce. Additionally, spinach has a crunchy texture and a mild flavor, making it an excellent choice!
What makes a good spinach salad? A great spinach salad balances fresh greens, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. Think crisp apples, crunchy pistachios, and tart and chewy dried cranberries.
Ingredients You'll Need
Fresh Spinach
It's mildly sweet, tender, and crisp. Look for vibrant green leaves. To save time on preparation, grab an already washed and prepped bag located in the premade salad section of your grocery store.
Blue Cheese
This is a bold, creamy cheese with a tangy, blue-veined flavor, that tastes great with the sweet apples and tart cranberries. You can use either gorgonzola or Danish Blue (Danablu) variety.
Pistachios
Roasted, salted (or unsalted) pistachios provide a delightful, nutty crunch that elevates the salad's texture. Their subtle sweetness complements the other ingredients, while their satisfying snap adds an element of playful contrast.
Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries bring a burst of tartness and a pleasant chewiness to the salad. Their concentrated flavor cuts through the richness of the blue cheese and adds a vibrant pop of color.
Apples
For a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, we're using a combination of apples. Crisp Granny Smith apples lend their signature tartness, while Fuji apples contribute a juicy 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 all of the ingredients in a bowl; the vinegar, shallot, dijon, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. 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. Add the pistachios, blue cheese, and cranberries.
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 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
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Orange and Feta
- Red Cabbage Salad with Greek Dressing
- Chopped Italian Salad in a Jar (Meal Prep)
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Dill Vinaigrette
- Marinated Cauliflower Salad
- Fattoush Salad
Spinach Salad Recipe with Shallot Vinaigrette
A vibrant spinach salad with creamy blue cheese, sweet and tart apples, crunchy pistachios, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a homemade shallot vinaigrette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Salads
- Method: Preparation Instructions
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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, but recommended)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, combine red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, finely diced shallot, sea salt, black pepper, and pure maple syrup (optional). Gradually whisk in olive oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
Dress the Spinach and Apples: In a large serving bowl, add the prewashed spinach. Pour the shallot vinaigrette over the spinach and toss gently to coat. Add the thinly sliced Fuji and Granny Smith apples, and lightly toss again to distribute a bit of the dressing onto the apples.
Roast the Pistachios (Optional): If using roasted pistachios, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pistachios on a baking sheet and roast for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly before chopping them into smaller pieces.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the dressed spinach and apples among four individual serving bowls, or arrange them in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios, dried cranberries (or cherries), and crumbled blue cheese over the salads. Serve immediately.
Rhon says
So fresh and delicious.