Eating healthy can be easy and delicious! I love making simple salads that are full of flavor and good for you. One of my favorites is an Apple Spinach Salad with Yogurt Dressing. It’s quick to put together, and the ingredients are super fresh. The apples add a sweet crunch, while the spinach is packed with nutrients. The yogurt dressing is creamy and tangy, making the whole salad taste amazing.
What I like best about this salad is how refreshing it is. It’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Plus, it looks really pretty with all the green spinach and red apple slices. Making this salad always puts me in a good mood because I know I’m eating something healthy that also tastes great.
You can even get creative and add other ingredients you like. Sometimes I throw in some nuts for extra crunch or a handful of berries for a pop of color. It’s a versatile salad that you can make your own. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
The flavors of autumn with this irresistible Apple Spinach Salad! Crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins, and a tangy yogurt dressing blend perfectly for a quick, delicious.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Apple Spinach Salad with Yogurt Dressing
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Wash and dry the spinach, chop the celery and red onion, and mix the dressing. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Apple Tips: To prevent the apple slices from browning, toss them in a bit of lemon juice after slicing. This will keep them looking fresh and vibrant in the salad.
- Toasting Nuts: Toasting the walnuts or pecans adds a deeper flavor and a delightful crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or extra lemon juice. Adjust to your preferred consistency.
- Uniform Slicing: Ensure the vegetables and apple are sliced uniformly to create a harmonious texture and appearance.
- Chill the Dressing: Letting the dressing chill for a bit before using it allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- Optional Add-ins: For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu. This can transform the salad into a more substantial meal.
- Fresh Spinach: Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-packaged spinach that might be wilted or soggy.
Apple Spinach Salad with Yogurt Dressing
4
servings15
minutes0
minutes220
kcal15
minutesUnveil the flavors of autumn with this irresistible Apple Spinach Salad! Crunchy walnuts, sweet raisins, and a tangy yogurt dressing blend perfectly for a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
4 cups baby spinach rinsed and spin dried
2 stalks celery chopped
¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
¼ cup raisins
½ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
1 apple cored and thinly sliced
⅓ cup cheddar shredded
- Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
- Alternative Ingredients
Walnuts can be replaced with pecans.
Greek yogurt can be substituted with any plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries.
Directions
- Dressing Mixing – Start by preparing your dressing to allow the flavors to meld. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside for the flavors to develop while you prepare the salad. (Approx. 5 minutes).
- Prep Ingredients – Utilize this time to prep your salad ingredients. Rinse and spin dry baby spinach. Chop celery and red onion into thin slices. Core and thinly slice one apple. This preparatory step ensures each component contributes its best flavor and texture. (Approx. 10 minutes).
- Combine Salad – In a large salad bowl, layer the prepared spinach, celery, red onion, raisins, and walnuts or pecans. Add the apple slices last to keep them crisp and fresh. Toss these ingredients lightly to integrate them before dressing.
- Dressing Application – Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Using a salad tosser, gently mix the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing, enhancing their flavors and ensuring a uniform taste throughout.
- Serve with Cheese – Lastly, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad before serving. This final addition adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, balancing the crisp textures and tangy dressing. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- salad bowl
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Potassium: 330mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin A: 60IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 8mg
FAQ – Apple Spinach Salad with Yogurt Dressing
How can I make this salad ahead of time without it getting soggy?
To make this salad ahead of time, prepare all the components separately. Store the spinach, celery, red onion, and apple slices in separate containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Combine everything just before serving to ensure the salad stays crisp and fresh.
Can I use a different type of apple for this salad?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well in this salad, adding a refreshing crunch and balanced sweetness.
What can I use as a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or an extra 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. This will maintain the creaminess of the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, replace the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. Many stores offer vegan yogurt and mayonnaise options that work just as well in this recipe.
