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Apple Spinach Salad
This vibrant apple spinach salad combines sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a quick, nutritious side dish perfect for busy family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Spinach and Apple Salad
- 10 ounces baby spinach (1 package)
- 6 ounces dried cranberries (1 small package)
- ⅔ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 apples (medium, sliced thin)
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 shallot (minced, see note)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
For the Spinach and Apple Salad
- Toss all ingredients together.
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and shake well to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress salad lightly and serve remaining dressing with the meal for guests to dress as they please.
Notes
- The shallot can be substituted with ¼ cup minced onion.
- Invest in a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the dressing. Since it's the star flavor, the better your vinegar, the more impressive your salad will taste.
- Lightly dress the salad before bringing it to the table, then offer extra dressing on the side. This ensures everyone gets a perfectly dressed salad according to their preference.
- To prevent sliced apples from browning, toss them in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This keeps them looking fresh throughout the meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 554kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 7gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 24gSodium: 80mgPotassium: 635mgFiber: 6gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 6659IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 4mg
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