Autumns Embrace Apple Feta and Candied Pecan Spinach Salad

Recipe Introduction: Craving a salad that's both sweet and savory?

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make for lunch? I do, all the time! Honestly, that's how this apple feta spinach salad came about.

It's seriously the perfect combo of textures and flavours. Think crisp apples, creamy feta, and fresh spinach all dancing together.

This isn't your average salad. It's more of a journey. The apple salad recipes world can be a bit same-y, you know? But this one is different.

A Salad With History and Flavour

Let's dive in! The humble apple feta spinach salad actually has roots in classic European flavor pairings. It's a celebration of simple ingredients.

This recipe is super easy. It takes only about 25 minutes to make and serves four people. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner with friends!

Why You'll Love This Salad

This feta spinach salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. Apples add fiber, and feta provides protein. It's the ultimate feel good food!

This salad is also perfect for any occasion. A potluck, a picnic, or just a regular Tuesday. And trust me, the candied pecans really elevate it.

This salad with candied pecans is my secret weapon.

Plus, it's a great way to use up those apples sitting in your fruit bowl. I think you're gonna really love this twist on autumn salad recipes.

Ready to give it a go? Let's get into the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this apple feta spinach salad . It's dead easy, honestly. No faffing about with fancy gear. This easy salad recipes requires minimal ingredients.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Precise!

• Pecans: ½ cup ( 60g ) The better quality, the better the salad.
• Water: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml )
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons ( 25g ) - Granulated is the biz.
• Salt: Just a pinch, mate.
• Spinach: 6 ounces ( 170g ). Go for baby spinach.
• Apples: 2 medium (about 2 cups sliced). Honeycrisp or Fuji are fab!
• Feta: 4 ounces ( 113g ) - Crumbled is easiest.
• Dried Cranberries: ¼ cup ( 40g ) - Totally optional but yummy.
• Red Onion: ¼ cup ( 30g ) - Super thinly sliced.

I remember one time I used Granny Smith apples. It wasn't the best move. It was far too tart. Lesson learned, yeah? Also, feta spinach salad is the only way to go in this case!.

Seasoning and Flavor: Let's ZING It Up!

Here’s what you need to create an apple cider vinaigrette recipe .

• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ) Extra virgin is best.
• Apple Cider Vinegar : 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) - Essential for that tang!
• Honey: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) Maple syrup works too.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) - Don't skip it!
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon .

For the salad dressing, apple cider vinaigrette recipe is a classic, but you can always swap the vinegar. I once used balsamic.

It was interesting, but not the same. You know?. The key is to find the perfect balance of sweet and savory salad .

Equipment: Keep It Simple!

• Small saucepan: For the candied pecans.
• Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
• Large bowl: To mix everything.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: Obvious, innit?

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen to pull this off. Got a bowl and a knife? You're good to go! The autumn salad recipes are so versatile! You can easily turn it to a fall harvest salad .

This salad with candied pecans really takes it to the next level. I really enjoy all apple salad recipes .

Making the Perfect Autumn's Embrace: Apple Feta Spinach Salad

Honestly, who doesn't love a good salad? Especially when it’s bursting with flavour and texture? This apple feta spinach salad isn't just any old salad; it's like a party in your mouth.

Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish that'll make your dinner guests say "wow!". It's so simple too!

Prep Steps Let's Get Organized!

First things first: mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. Chop your apples, crumble your feta, and get that spinach squeaky clean.

Honestly, a little prep goes a long way. Washing and spinning the spinach well is key . Soggy spinach? No, thank you.

step-by-step Process: Salad Assembly

1. Candy those pecans: Heat 2 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup of pecan halves. Cook until sugar coats the pecans. ( Approx 5 minutes ) Spread on baking sheet.
2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon, salt, and pepper. It's gonna be a delicious apple cider vinaigrette recipe .
3. Combine 6 ounces spinach, 2 sliced apples, 4 ounces feta, optional cranberries, and red onion in a bowl.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette. Toss gently. Don't drown it!
5. Sprinkle those candied pecans on top.
6. Serve immediately! Don't let it sit or the spinach will wilt.

Pro Tips: Salad Hacks for Champions

Want to level up your apple salad recipes ? Toast your pecans before candying. Seriously, it enhances their flavour. Also, don't overdress the salad! That's the most common mistake.

Just a light coating is all you need for this feta spinach salad . If you want to get ahead, you can make the spinach salad dressing and candy the pecans a day in advance.

Store them separately, obviously.

This salad with candied pecans is honestly a game changer. It's got that perfect sweet and savory salad balance. Plus, the crispness of the apples and the saltiness of the feta? Oh my gosh! It's what makes this fall harvest salad special.

It’s one of those easy salad recipes that everyone loves. This autumn salad recipes is going to be a sure win! You should really give it a try!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Apple Feta Spinach Salad

Right then, let's chat about taking this apple feta spinach salad from "meh" to "OMG, that's amazing!" I've whipped up this easy salad recipe more times than I can count, and I've learned a few things along the way.

Let me share my secrets, shall we?

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key

You know, the first bite is always with the eyes. So, think about how you're plating this feta spinach salad .

I like to arrange the spinach as a base. Then I add the apple slices, feta, and salad with candied pecans on top.

Drizzle with dressing right before serving. It keeps things fresh. Serve it with a grilled chicken breast. A crisp glass of white wine wouldn't go amiss either.

It makes a sweet and savory salad even better.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

Honestly, this salad is best served immediately. But life happens, right? If you have leftovers, store the spinach salad dressing separately from the salad.

The spinach will get soggy otherwise. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days . Don't even think about freezing this.

It's not gonna work. Reheating isn't really an option. It is best consumed cold.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Feeling a bit adventurous? Let's play around! For a vegetarian option, you're already set. You can swap out the feta for goat cheese.

Oh my gosh, that's divine! You can make this an amazing fall harvest salad . Add roasted butternut squash. Craving an autumn salad recipe ? Swap apples with pears.

Ditch the pecans for pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Also, consider using my apple cider vinaigrette recipe . You know? It gives it a proper kick!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This apple feta spinach salad is packed with goodness. Spinach is a brilliant source of vitamins. Apples give you fibre.

Feta adds protein. Candied pecans? Ok, maybe not super healthy, but they make the salad delicious! Overall, it's a balanced dish that's relatively low in calories and high in nutrients.

Plus, it counts towards your five a day, so win-win!

Honestly, creating this apple salad recipes is like adding a little sunshine to your plate. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment. Happy salad making!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple feta spinach salad ahead of time? I'm a bit of a Mary Berry when it comes to time management!

While you can assemble the salad components (spinach, apples, feta) ahead of time, it's best to wait to dress it until just before serving. The vinaigrette will cause the spinach to wilt and the apples to get a bit soggy.

For optimal freshness, I'd recommend making the candied pecans and the vinaigrette in advance, then assembling the salad right before you're ready to tuck in that way it is fresh as a daisy!

What's the best way to store leftover apple feta spinach salad? I always seem to make too much!

Honestly, dressed apple feta spinach salad doesn't keep very well it’s a bit like a soggy bottom on the Great British Bake Off! The spinach wilts quickly, and the apples lose their crispness.

If you absolutely have to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than a day. Keep in mind that the texture won't be as enjoyable.

I'm allergic to nuts! Can I still enjoy this apple feta spinach salad?

Absolutely! Simply omit the candied pecans. To keep that delightful crunch, you can substitute them with toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy fried chickpeas. You could even try a bit of crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky kick.

What other fruits would work well in this apple feta spinach salad? I'm feeling adventurous, like a culinary Indiana Jones!

If you're looking to shake things up, pears are a fantastic substitute for apples, offering a similar sweetness and texture. You could also add segments of oranges or grapefruit for a burst of citrus.

Dried cranberries or cherries also complement the feta and spinach beautifully, bringing a touch of festive cheer to the salad.

Is this apple feta spinach salad healthy? I’m trying to keep things trim like a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing!

Yes, this salad is a pretty healthy choice! Spinach is packed with vitamins, apples provide fiber, and feta adds protein and calcium. The vinaigrette contributes healthy fats from olive oil. Just be mindful of the amount of dressing you use and the sugar content in the candied pecans.

You can always adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

My feta always crumbles into a million pieces! Any tips for keeping feta in bigger chunks for my apple feta spinach salad?

Ah, the dreaded feta crumble! The key is to buy a block of feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta it holds its shape much better. When you're ready to use it, gently pat it dry with a paper towel before crumbling it with your fingers or a fork.

Also, try not to over mix the salad after you add the feta, as this can cause it to break down further. Buying good quality feta will help too!