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Home Ā» Recipes Ā» Salad Recipes

April 19, 2015 · 40 Comments

Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Dairy Free Recipes· Low Fat Recipes· Salad Recipes· Whole30

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A collage photo of spinach salad with apples
Spinach Salad with Apples and Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette collage

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!

Spinach Salad with Apples and Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

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!

Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette-2

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.

Spinach Salad with Apples and Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

How do you make Apple Balsamic Vinagrette?

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 apple balsamic 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.

Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

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!

Visit the recipe index to search for more recipes by category.

Spinach Salad with Apples and Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette collage

More Salad Recipes

  • Spinach Salad with Beets
  • Bleu Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad (Outback Steakhouse Copycat)
  • Healthy Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges

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Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette-2

Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Carrie's Experimental Kitchen
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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 216 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups fresh spinach (rinsed)
  • 1 apple (cored and thinly sliced)
  • ½ cup pecans
  • ¼ cup apple balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ā…› teaspoon kosher salt
  • dash black pepper

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

If you're not going to serve the salad immediately, I recommend keeping the vinaigrette on the side and dipping the apples in lemon juice so that they don't oxidize and turn brown before eating.
Ā 

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 15.7gProtein: 3.9gFat: 15.7gSodium: 65mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 8.1g
Keyword apples, spinach
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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?

 

 

A collage photo of spinach salad with apples

 

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More Salad Recipes

  • mediterranean chickpea salad with beets
    Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Beets
  • Caprese Stacks made with fresh mozzarella, Heirloom tomatoes and Italian prosciutto then topped with aged balsamic vinegar.
    Caprese Stacks with Pan Seared Prosciutto
  • Chicken salad in a red bowl in front of a bowl of apples.
    Waldorf Chicken Salad
  • Mediterranean Arugula Salad in a salad bowl
    Mediterranean Arugula Salad with Homemade Greek Vinaigrette
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nichole says

    April 19, 2015 at 6:44 am

    Oh yum - I love the flavors in this salad!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Thank you Nichole!

      Reply
  2. Betsy @ Desserts Required says

    April 19, 2015 at 10:50 am

    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.

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:39 am

      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.

      Reply
  3. Tara says

    April 19, 2015 at 11:57 am

    5 stars
    I love a fruit, nut and green salad, my ultimate fav!!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Thanks Tara!

      Reply
  4. Laura Dembowski says

    April 19, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:38 am

      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!

      Reply
  5. Christie says

    April 19, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
  6. Cindys Recipes and Writings says

    April 19, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    I love quick recipes like this salad!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:36 am

      Thanks for stopping by Cindy!

      Reply
  7. Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says

    April 19, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    5 stars
    WOW does this salad sound clean and refreshing!! I love it Carrie!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:36 am

      Thanks Bobbi, it really was and so easy...added bonus!

      Reply
  8. Liz says

    April 19, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    What a wonderful salad, Carrie! I am a big fan of fruit and nuts with my greens---and your salad dressing sounds terrific, too!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:36 am

      Thanks so much Liz! I love the combination of fruit and nuts as well.

      Reply
  9. Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says

    April 19, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    What a gorgeous salad! I love the apple and pecan combo with the balsamic vinaigrette! Yum!

    Reply
  10. Mary Ellen says

    April 19, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    This looks so good, I love the dressing!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Thank you Mary Ellen!

      Reply
  11. Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says

    April 19, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    I love the apples and pecans with the balsamic vinaigrette! A flavor power house!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 20, 2015 at 7:30 am

      It sure was Serena!

      Reply
  12. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says

    April 20, 2015 at 10:23 am

    What a great salad for anytime of the year.

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 21, 2015 at 6:36 am

      Thanks for stopping by Wendy!

      Reply
  13. Tammi @Momma's Meals says

    April 20, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    I'm making a similar salad for dinner tonight but I've got to try this dressing with it! Great picnic idea!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 21, 2015 at 6:37 am

      Thanks Tammi!

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    April 20, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    I love spinach salads! Looks awesome!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 21, 2015 at 6:37 am

      Thanks for stopping by Sarah, I'm glad you like it!

      Reply
  15. Amee says

    April 20, 2015 at 9:53 pm

    I'd love a big ole' bowl of your spinach salad!!! Love!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 21, 2015 at 6:37 am

      Thanks Amee!

      Reply
  16. Courtney @ NeighborFood says

    April 21, 2015 at 9:43 am

    What a great salad! That dressing looks to die for!

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 21, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      Thanks Courtney and so simple to make too! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  17. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says

    April 24, 2015 at 9:46 am

    I didn't know there was apple balsamic vinegar! That sounds incredible. Even still, all of these ingredients are a perfect marriage.

    Reply
    • carrieexpktchn@optonline.net says

      April 25, 2015 at 12:11 pm

      There are so many fun flavors! I also have a cherry balsamic that is out of this world too. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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