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
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or dried cherries)
- 1/3 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
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 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.
Find it online: https://crave-worthy.com/spinach-salad-recipe/