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Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Bliss

This Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is a colorful and healthy dish that's a perfect addition to any festive menu.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach substitute with mixed greens for variety
  • 1 pcs Granny Smith apple offers tartness; balance with Gala apple
  • 1 pcs Gala apple adds sweetness; can swap with Honeycrisp
  • ½ cup cashew nuts can replace with walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup dried cranberries use dried cherries for a different flavor
For the Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • ½ cup mayonnaise substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar use fruit-flavored vinegar for a unique twist
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard omit if a milder taste is preferred
  • 1 pcs lemon juice of one lemon, fresh-squeezed recommended
  • 2 tablespoons honey adjust quantity for desired sweetness

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • mason jar
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, ensuring it’s clean and dry. Slice one Granny Smith apple and one Gala apple into thin wedges for easy eating, balancing tartness and sweetness.
  2. Toss the spinach with the apple slices, then sprinkle in ½ cup of dried cranberries and ½ cup of chopped cashew nuts for a delightful crunch and pop of color.
  3. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, the juice of one lemon, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified, creamy, and smooth.
  4. Just before serving, drizzle the creamy balsamic vinaigrette over the prepared salad, and gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the spinach is coated evenly without bruising it. Serve immediately on a large platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients and adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette to personal preference. Experiment with different nuts and cheeses for variety.

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