Spinach Salad With Apple Honey Roasted Walnuts And Blackberry Vinaigrette Recipe

Spinach Salad with Apple Honey Roasted Walnuts and Blackberry Vinaigrette is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the crispiness of fresh spinach, the sweetness of honey-roasted walnuts, and the tangy taste of blackberry vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck contribution. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

Salad

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1 cup honey-roasted walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Blackberry Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Salad

1. Wash and Prep Spinach: Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly under cold water. Dry it using a salad spinner or pat it gently with paper towels. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
2. Slice the Apple: Cut the apple into thin slices. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color. Add the apple slices to the salad bowl with the spinach.
3. Add Cranberries and Feta: Sprinkle the dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese over the spinach and apple slices.

Making the Honey-Roasted Walnuts

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Walnuts: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of walnut halves with 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of salt. Toss the walnuts until they are well-coated with honey.
3. Roast Walnuts: Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant. Stir them halfway through to ensure even roasting.
4. Cool Walnuts: Remove the walnuts from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cooled, add them to the salad.

Creating the Blackberry Vinaigrette

1. Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh blackberries, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Strain Vinaigrette: For a smoother dressing, you can strain the vinaigrette through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. This step is optional but recommended for a finer texture.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your taste preferences.

Assembling the Salad

1. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the blackberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed, tossing the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately after dressing to ensure the spinach remains fresh and crisp.

Tips and Variations

• Simple Spinach Salad with Apple Honey Roasted Walnuts and Blackberry Vinaigrette: For a simpler version, you can use store-bought honey-roasted walnuts and pre-made blackberry vinaigrette.
• Easy Spinach Salad with Apple Honey Roasted Walnuts and Blackberry Vinaigrette: If you’re short on time, consider using a pre-packaged spring mix instead of fresh spinach, and add sliced apples, cranberries, and walnuts.
• Best Spinach Salad with Apple Honey Roasted Walnuts and Blackberry Vinaigrette: For the best flavor, use organic ingredients and freshly made vinaigrette.
• Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries: For a variation, replace the honey-roasted walnuts with candied walnuts and add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
• Blackberry Vinaigrette Salad: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, to alter the flavor of the blackberry vinaigrette.
• Blackberry Walnut Salad: Add goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a richer, creamier texture.
• Salad with Poppyseed Dressing and Apples: Swap the blackberry vinaigrette for a homemade poppyseed dressing for a different flavor profile.
• Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing: Use maple syrup instead of honey in the walnut roasting process and in the vinaigrette for a unique twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 16g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Sodium: 120mg

Conclusion

Spinach Salad with Apple Honey Roasted Walnuts and Blackberry Vinaigrette is a delightful and nutritious dish that is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, along with the crunch of walnuts and the freshness of spinach, makes this salad a standout choice for any meal. Try it today and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.