The Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad recipe combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it a delightful choice for a quick, nutritious dish. Hereโs a detailed breakdown of the recipe:
Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad
Cook Time: Not specified
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Description:
This salad features a refreshing mix of spinach, apples, red onion, and pecans, all brought together with a sweet-tart dressing. To elevate the dish, the pecans are glazed with sugar, adding a caramelized crunch without the need for toasting.
Recipe Category: Apple
Keywords: Fruit, Vegetable, Nuts, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Potluck, < 15 Mins, Easy
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 247.2
- Fat: 20.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 401.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.7g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 9.2g
- Protein: 4.1g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for glazing pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 golden delicious apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup pecans
Instructions:
-
Prepare Glazed Pecans:
- In a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat, stir 1 tablespoon of sugar with pecans, constantly stirring until sugar melts (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the glazed pecans onto waxed paper, separating them with a spoon while warm. Set aside.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together olive oil, cider vinegar, prepared mustard, remaining sugar (if any), salt, and fresh ground black pepper until the dressing thickens.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Add thinly sliced golden delicious apple and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until they are well coated.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange fresh spinach leaves on top of the dressed apples and onions.
-
Final Touches:
- Sprinkle the glazed pecans over the spinach just before serving.
- Toss lightly just before serving to combine all flavors and textures.
Recipe Tips:
- Glazing Pecans: This step adds a sweet crunch to the salad. Ensure to separate the pecans while they are still warm to prevent clumping.
- Variations: You can substitute different types of apples for varied sweetness or add dried cranberries or goat cheese for additional flavor and texture contrasts.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dressing and glaze the pecans ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
This salad is perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a side dish for gatherings and potlucks. It pairs well with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal.
Enjoy the crispness of apples, the earthiness of spinach, the crunch of pecans, and the zing of the dressing in every refreshing bite of this Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad!