Description
Apple, Pecan, Cranberry, and Avocado Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing salad combining the crispness of spinach, the sweetness of apples and cranberries, the creaminess of avocado, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 medium apple, thinly sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup pecans, toasted
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the balsamic dressing:
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, apple slices, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced avocado. Add red onion (if using) for extra flavor and color.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- To make it vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and skip any cheese.
- Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
- For added citrus flavor, add orange or grapefruit segments.
- To keep avocado fresh, toss with lemon juice before adding to the salad or add just before serving.
- This salad can be made ahead by storing components separately, adding the avocado and dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
