Spinach Salad With Apples And Pecans
A fresh and flavorful spinach salad with crisp apples, toasted pecans, and tangy blue cheese, dressed with a sherry and red wine vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 small shallot, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- pinch of ground pepper
- 1 lb. baby spinach, stems removed
- 1 large bunch (5 oz.) Belgian endive, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 large apple or pear, cored, quartered and sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. crumbled Blue cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. toasted pecan halves ⓘ
Instructions
- Whisk together the shallot, sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Gradually whisk in olive oil, salt, and ground pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
- When ready to serve, toss the salad dressing with the spinach and endive.
- Place the salad on plates and add apple slices, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted pecan halves.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a flavored olive oil, such as garlic or herb-infused. If you want a milder dressing, reduce the amount of Dijon mustard. For a twist, try substituting walnuts for pecans or using feta cheese instead of blue cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the salad's taste.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve alongside crusty bread or a refreshing soup for a light lunch. For a vegetarian option, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas to enhance protein content. It's a versatile dish perfect for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be kept separately to maintain the salad's freshness. If you need to reheat any components, such as the pecans, do so in a dry skillet over low heat to restore their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Apples And Pecans contains roughly 228 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1344mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. However, it's best to toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach and endive crisp. You can make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What other fruits can I use in this salad?
In addition to apples or pears, you can experiment with seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries, mandarin oranges, or even pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Each will add a unique twist to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad can be a great addition to your meal prep routine. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat, and store the salad in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).