๐ŸณDailyRecipes
Salad

Fresh Spinach Apple Salad

This crisp and tangy spinach apple salad features maple glazed walnuts and a simple balsamic dressing.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท August 26, 2026
Fresh Spinach Apple Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
5 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
4

Salads are a staple in our kitchen, but I often look for something that does not require too much prep work. This spinach apple salad is my go to when I want something fresh and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It is perfectly balanced and looks beautiful on the table.

The secret is the combination of tender greens, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts. It is a wonderful plant based side dish that pairs well with everything from weeknight pizza to a fancy salmon dinner. You will love how quickly it comes together.

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 2 ounces mixed baby greens
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 pear, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place a small skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts or pecans along with the maple syrup.

  2. 2

    Cook the nuts for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the syrup is bubbly and the nuts are coated and shiny.

  3. 3

    Remove the nuts from the pan and place them on a piece of parchment paper to cool and dry for about 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach and mixed greens.

  5. 5

    Top the greens with the sliced apples and pears right before serving to keep them fresh.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle the cooled maple glazed nuts over the top of the salad.

  7. 7

    Drizzle with your favorite balsamic vinaigrette just before you are ready to eat and toss gently.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store the balsamic dressing and the glazed nuts separately from the greens if you are preparing this in advance. Keep your apples and pears fresh by tossing them in a little bit of lemon juice if you need to slice them more than a few minutes before serving.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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