Spinach, Apple, and Walnut Salad
This vibrant and wholesome Spinach, Apple, and Walnut Salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will brighten any meal. Crisp apples, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and nutty sunflower seeds are tossed together with tender baby spinach. To enhance this beautiful salad, it’s drizzled with a light, mildly sweet honey-mustard dressing that is both tangy and slightly sweet. This salad serves as an ideal side dish for any occasion, bringing a burst of freshness to your table while being healthy and satisfying.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby spinach | 3 cups |
| Walnuts (roughly chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Sultana raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Apple (cored and sliced thin) | 1 |
| Sunflower seeds | 2 tablespoons |
For the Honey-Mustard Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil (vegetable or olive) | 4 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Honey-Mustard Dressing:
- In a mason jar or any bottle with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Close the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously to mix the ingredients until well-combined. This simple dressing adds a tangy-sweet layer of flavor to the salad.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the baby spinach, chopped walnuts, sultana raisins, and thinly sliced apple.
- Sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top for an extra crunch and nutritional boost.
-
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared honey-mustard dressing over the salad, and toss everything together to ensure an even coating of the dressing. The spinach should be lightly coated with the tangy sweetness of the dressing.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Spinach, Apple, and Walnut Salad immediately as a refreshing side dish to complement a hearty main. This salad pairs wonderfully with dishes like Minestrone Soup for a cozy weekday dinner or as a light standalone option for lunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Sugars | ~10g |
| Sodium | ~120mg |
Tips:
- For a delightful twist, try adding a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese for added creaminess and tang.
- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds, depending on your preference.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week.
Enjoy this easy-to-make Spinach, Apple, and Walnut Salad thatβs not only light and healthy but also bursting with delightful flavors and textures! Whether youβre looking for a quick lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is sure to impress.
