This deliciously flavorful Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette contains only five ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to make. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
This week on #SundaySupper we’ve gathered some tasty new recipes for you to try that are perfect for picnicking; especially with National Picnic Day coming up on Thursday.
When I think of picnics, my mind automatically goes to salads and I always like to find new ones to add to our al fresco dining each year. I decided to make this Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette and I think this one is a definite keeper!
How do you make Spinach Salad?
This spinach salad is so easy to make and with a few simple ingredients, it’s ready in about 5-10 minutes. Start off by purchasing fresh baby spinach; then wash it in a salad spinner to make sure it’s clean.
I never assume that pre-washed vegetables are totally clean (and after running it through a salad spinner, you’ll see why!).
After your spinach is washed and fairly dry, add it to a bowl; then add the sliced apples and pecans.
Next, whisk together the apple balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. You can either dress your salad right before serving or keep the vinaigrette separate so that your guests can add as little or as much as they want.
I was a little hesitant about posting this recipe because as you all know, I generally only like to use ingredients that you can find locally. I had purchased this vinegar from a specialty shop in Philadelphia several months ago and thought it would go perfectly with this salad.
Before posting I went online and found that you can purchase this flavor vinegar at various stores online and even Walmart had a variety; though I’m not sure about the quality. If you can’t find apple balsamic, a regular balsamic will do just fine.
This simple Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette was delicious with the perfect combination of flavors. Because the salad is also vinegar based, it makes a nice salad to take to a picnic without worrying about keeping it on ice (that is unless you plan on leaving it out for several hours!).
One other suggestion I have is if you are not going to serve it immediately, I recommend dipping the sliced apples in some lemon juice so that they don’t oxidize and turn brown before you’re ready to eat. ~Enjoy!
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Ingredients
- 8 c. Fresh Spinach, washed
- 1 Apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 c. Pecan Halves
- 1/4 c. Balsamic Vinegar
- 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the cleaned spinach to a bowl; then top with sliced apples and pecans.
- Whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper; then pour over the salad (or place in a separate dispenser for later)
Notes
Nutrition
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Don’t forget to stop by my fellow Sunday Supper Tastemasters this week to see what they’re serving up at their picnics.
Appetizers:
- Caprese Skewers by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- French Onion Dip, with Greek Yogurt by Casa de Crews
- Mediterranean Spiced Hummus by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Pepperoni Pinwheels by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Watermelon Salad by annaDishes
Beverages:
- Blackberry Lemonade by The Redhead Baker
- Blueberry Mojito Mocktails by NeighborFood
- Minty Cardinal Punch by Food Lust People Love
- Sangria Punch by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Strawberry Pineapple Lemonade by Noshing With The Nolands
Main Dishes:
- Avocado Sriracha Egg Salad by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
- Boneless Chicken Wings by Nosh My Way
- Chicken Salad Sliders by Life Tastes Good
- Spanish tortilla by Caroline’s Cooking
Sides:
- Broccoli & Tomato Pasta Salad by Flour On My Face
- Buffalo Macaroni Salad by Sew You Think You Can Cook
- Fully Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- No Mayo Slaw with Poppyseed Dressing by Palatable Pastime
- Spiralized Beet and Goat Cheese Salad by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Soups and Salads:
- Layered Mason Jar Pasta Salad for Two by The Weekend Gourmet
- Smoked Turkey Salad by Our Good Life
Desserts:
- Bacon-Bulleit Brownies by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Fudgey Coca Cola Cake by Recipes Food and Cooking
- Earth Day Cupcakes by Savory Experiments
- Lemon Yuzu Cookies by NinjaBaker.com
- Mini Lemon Chess Pies by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- No-Bake Cookie Butter Chex Mix Bars by Wallflour Girl
- Peanut Butter Bars by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
- Peanut Butter Carob Bars by Pies and Plots
- Sourdough Chunk Cookies by What Smells So Good?
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Oh yum – I love the flavors in this salad!
Thank you Nichole!
Great tip about washing the spinach that is labeled ‘pre-washed’! I am wondering what I have been eating all this time.
Your salad looks delicious and is a great idea for a picnic.
Thank you Betsy! They tend to package baby spinach in either bags or plastic containers. I would always rinse it in my colander, but after getting a salad spinner you can see just how much it really isn’t that clean.
I love a fruit, nut and green salad, my ultimate fav!!
Thanks Tara!
I agree that prewashed vegetables still need to be washed. I tend not to buy prewashed vegetables at all, but it would probably save some time. When I wash a bunch of kale, sometimes I have to wash it two or three times because it’s so sandy.
I always have to wash greens a few times and until I got a salad spinner, I never realized just how dirty it was! Thanks for stopping by Laura!
Olive oil and vinegar specialty stores have gotten so popular. I haven’t seen apple balsamic before but am going to look for it. This salad is stunning.
I love quick recipes like this salad!
Thanks for stopping by Cindy!
WOW does this salad sound clean and refreshing!! I love it Carrie!
Thanks Bobbi, it really was and so easy…added bonus!
What a wonderful salad, Carrie! I am a big fan of fruit and nuts with my greens—and your salad dressing sounds terrific, too!
Thanks so much Liz! I love the combination of fruit and nuts as well.
What a gorgeous salad! I love the apple and pecan combo with the balsamic vinaigrette! Yum!
This looks so good, I love the dressing!
Thank you Mary Ellen!
I love the apples and pecans with the balsamic vinaigrette! A flavor power house!
It sure was Serena!
What a great salad for anytime of the year.
Thanks for stopping by Wendy!
I’m making a similar salad for dinner tonight but I’ve got to try this dressing with it! Great picnic idea!
Thanks Tammi!
I love spinach salads! Looks awesome!
Thanks for stopping by Sarah, I’m glad you like it!
I’d love a big ole’ bowl of your spinach salad!!! Love!
Thanks Amee!
What a great salad! That dressing looks to die for!
Thanks Courtney and so simple to make too! 🙂
I didn’t know there was apple balsamic vinegar! That sounds incredible. Even still, all of these ingredients are a perfect marriage.
There are so many fun flavors! I also have a cherry balsamic that is out of this world too. Thanks for stopping by!